Tottenham Hotspur have their eyes on Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni this summer as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.
This has been reported by the reliable Alasdair Gold, who was talking about all things Tottenham on his latest YouTube video on Monday night.
Is Bastoni you first choice target at LCB?
Yes
No
It has been suggested elsewhere the Italian manager is looking to add around six new players this summer, and a left-sided centre-back is high on his list.
The Athletic previously reported Josko Gvardiol, Bastoni, Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck were the top targets to potentially rival Ben Davies next season, but Schlotterbeck has already signed for Borussia Dortmund.
And with Botman expected to be heading to AC Milan, Gold believes Bastoni has risen to the top of the list, with a potential reunion with his former manager on the cards.
Gold said: “I know that both Conte and Paratici adore Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. He’s 23, fits on the left side of a back three very nicely, he’d be very similar to [Cristian] Romero on the right.
“[Would] provide great competition with Ben Davies in that role. Big money, though, I think. He’s only got two years left on his deal, but there’s talk that it will be north of £50m for him. But that’s a top, top-class player.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
We think this would be a real statement of intent if Spurs were able to secure the services of one of the most exciting young defenders around.
And we think he would be a perfect option to replace Davies in the starting XI as he holds a lot of similar qualities to the Welshman going forward, such as his ability to pick out a good cross.
Bastoni completed 21 crosses in Serie A this season, which is 12 more than the Welshman managed in the Premier League, while the Italian had more shot-creating actions per game than the Spurs defender (via FBRef).
Defensively, Spurs would be getting a 6ft 2in ace who’d naturally provide improved protection from set-pieces and crosses, and he has also proven to be equally as solid when the ball is on the ground.
In almost every department, Bastoni has bettered Davies defensively according to FBRef’s stats, however, it is apparent he will not come cheap if Spurs are to sign him.
In other news: Spurs ace appears to send farewell message on Instagram
100% my first choice, although Ben Davis would keep him honest!