Both Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly emerged as contenders to sign Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 24-year-old has featured seven times for the Italian side in Serie A, continuing to cement himself as a regular starter for the Milan-based club.
Bastoni appeared heavily during his side's run to the final of the Champions League in the 2022-23 campaign, when Pep Guardiola's Man City ultimately came out as victors during the showpiece match in Istanbul.
The centre-back was played 173 times for Inter Milan since returning from a loan spell at Parma in the summer of 2019, scoring three goals over a four-year period.
According to Calciomercato, two major Premier League spenders have targeted a move for Bastoni in the New Year, with Manchester City and Chelsea keen on the player.
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The report adds that the Blues are looking to bolster their defensive ranks in 2024, considering that veteran centre-back Thiago Silva could be departing Stamford Bridge at the end of his contract in the summer.
Chelsea have the likes of Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill as options in their backline that could develop into real stalwarts for the West Londoners over the next few seasons.
Man City meanwhile are consistently trying to evolve as a team under Guardiola following a treble-winning season last term, and the Citizens are reportedly in the market for fresh faces at centre-back.
It is understood that Inter would be willing to depart with Bastoni during either the upcoming transfer window or at the conclusion of the term.
With the Nerazzurri operating strict transfer policy to keep in line with financial restrictions, it is believed that the Italian club would need to sell the 24-year-old in order to strengthen their squad in other areas.
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Inter would supposedly be open to commencing negotiations for the sale of Bastoni to potential suitors at the £60m mark, with Man City and Chelsea both showing in the past that they can fork out similar amounts for certain targets.
The former Atalanta man normally operates on the left side of a back three under the stewardship of Simone Inzaghi, and it is understood that the defender's ability to play in that role has attracted admirers from around Europe.
Bastoni's side are currently sitting top of the Serie A standings having collected 22 points from their opening nine matches, with the Nerazzurri also possessing the division's sternest defence in opening months, conceding just five goals.
Potential suitors Man City hold the same title in the Premier League, and Guardiola's men will make the short trip to Old Trafford on Sunday to face local rivals Manchester United.
Carter White
