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Alessandro Bastoni has reportedly caught Manchester City’s eye during an impressive season at Inter Milan.
The centre-back, 24, has just over a year left on his deal and has yet to agree to an extension.
With City seemingly ready to strengthen at the back this summer, it is little surprise the in-form Italian has been linked with a Premier League switch.
As Pep Guardiola’s men prepare to tackle Sheffield United at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals, we examine what Bastoni would bring to the Etihad.
City in the chase
If Bastoni does not agree a new contract, Inter could be tempted to cash in.
City are one of a host of sides believed to be interested in his services, with neighbours Manchester United also said to be keen on the Italy international.
The Premier League champions appear to view him as an ideal successor for Aymeric Laporte, who has been linked with a move away.
Given Bastoni’s evident quality, a bidding war could erupt as the Manchester giants battle for the centre-back’s signature.
Bastoni’s brilliance
Bastoni has been a force in Serie A this season.
The Casalmaggiore native has managed an impressive 37 tackles and 20 interceptions, as well as regaining possession 47 times in the defensive third.
He has also shown strength in challenges, winning 21 of his 36 attempted duels.
Regardless of where he ends up, Bastoni’s defensive steel will continue to be a prized asset.
Contract tensions
Bastoni’s agent Tullio Tinti has hinted an extension with Inter appears unlikely.
He said: “I have never pushed a player to run down his contract and become a free agent, it was the clubs who did that.
“Clearly, it takes two to reach an agreement on a contract. When a player has only a year left on his deal and can legitimately say he wants to wait, it gets all the headlines.
“When a club leaves a player waiting until the last minute, that is considered normal.”
Ball-playing Bastoni
To fit into Guardiola’s side, players are required to be comfortable in possession — and Bastoni boasts exceptional ability on the ball.
He carries it from defence with confidence and has completed 205 passes in the attacking third, 111 long balls, created seven big chances and produced 10 crosses.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry praised the defender for his assist in the first leg of Inter’s Champions League quarter-final triumph over Benfica.
He said: “I love when a centre-back, playing in a back three, brings the ball out.
“What a ball from Bastoni on the head of [Nicolo] Barella, who still has to do a lot to score. What a cross from Bastoni.”
FA Cup fight
With the Blades pushing for promotion to the Premier League and having already cut down Tottenham on the road to Wembley, City will have their hands full at the national stadium.
But they are yet to concede in the FA Cup this term and are still chasing glory on three fronts.
Bastoni would surely thrive in a side already so dominant defensively and he would undoubtedly benefit under the direction of Guardiola.
