According to a report from Football.London, Chelsea are said to have shown interest in Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan defender. It has been suggested that Chelsea admire the Italian international, and the Serie A outfit may be open to selling him for £60.9 million in the upcoming summer. This connection arises as the Blues begin to contemplate a future without Thiago Silva, as his contract with the club is set to expire in the upcoming summer.
Bastoni’s Campaign With Inter Milan This Season
Bastoni is enjoying a respectable season, serving as a dependable anchor in the heart of Inter Milan’s defense throughout the current campaign. Although the 24-year-old has yet to score a goal this season, he has played a pivotal role in the team’s defense, featuring in every match Inter Milan has participated in so far.
The Casalmaggiore-born talent has reliable and consistent in the defensive third based on his average of 2.0 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 1.1 key passes per game in the Serie A. He has also been efficient while distributing possession from the back after completing 89.7% of his attempted passes in the Italian top flight (stats via whoscored).
The Inter defender recently inked a contract extension that binds him to the club until the summer of 2028. Consequently, it would be a challenging task for the West London club to secure his signature next summer without making a significant financial investment.
Can Pochettino Bring Him To Chelsea Next Summer?
Alessandro Bastoni is not just your average 24-year-old defender. The Italian international has been a consistent presence in Inter Milan’s backline and has matured into one of Serie A’s finest. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a call-up to the national team and catching the eye of clubs across Europe.
The central defender has showcased his proficiency in defending, boasting strong aerial abilities, composure on the ball, and a remarkable understanding of the game’s nuances. While he may not be known for his goal-scoring prowess, Bastoni’s contributions have been pivotal in maintaining Inter Milan’s defensive solidity, often being a crucial part of their starting lineup.
Silva’s future in the team beyond next summer remains uncertain, and the Blues must plan for a world without their defensive linchpin. While it’s unrealistic to expect Bastoni to directly replicate Thiago Silva’s influence and experience, he has the potential to grow into a dependable pillar of Chelsea’s defence. His age allows for development and adaptation to the Premier League’s unique demands, making him a long-term investment with significant upside.
Alessandro Bastoni’s potential arrival at Chelsea could mark a changing of the guard in the club’s defence. With Thiago Silva’s future hanging in the balance, the Italian international’s youthful exuberance and defensive prowess make him an enticing prospect.
