United prepare “aggressive offer” to steal “game-changing” Serie A playmaker from Barcelona’s grasp – report

Manchester United are leading a red-hot race among Europe’s elite to land Italian powerhouse Alessandro Bastoni in an explosive twist, according to a new report.

A Deep-lying Playmaker

Bastoni, 26, has established himself as one of the finest central defenders in the world since joining Inter Milan in 2017. Signed from Atalanta for £27 million at just 18 years of age, the Nerazzurri were certain he was destined for greatness, despite his inexperience.

Bastoni was sent back to Atalanta on loan to continue his development away from the bright lights of the San Siro, before joining Parma on the same arrangement the following season.

Since returning to Inter for the 2019/20 season, the defender has gone on to become an integral player, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia twice, as well as three Super Cups. He also won the European Championship with Italy, defeating England on penalties in the final at Wembley.

While Bastoni possesses all the usual traits of Serie A’s elite defenders, it is the 26-year-old’s ability to progress play from deep which makes him stand out against his competitors.

Despite playing in a back three for Inter, he has returned 30 assists in 288 appearances at the San Siro. By comparison, Lisandro Martinez – widely considered one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world – has 13 across the Argentine’s entire career.

It’s remarkable how reliant the Italian heavyweight is on Bastoni as a deep-lying playmaker to make the team tick. But the system – a 3-5-2 shape, with two flying wing-backs – also requires the Italy international to defend the vast spaces vacated by Federico Dimarco, who is instructed to drive forward at every possible opportunity.

This combination of outstanding technical and physical skills, capable of dominating the game in and out of possession, is rare – and explains why Europe’s biggest clubs are desperate to sign Bastoni, including United.

United leading the charge

The Red Devils are locked in a fierce battle with Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for the Italian defender, according to a report relayed by The Peoples Person.

Madrid, in particular, are understood to be vying for his signature as Los Blancos look to overhaul their leaky defensive line, while Barcelona will always have a place for a technically gifted defender at Camp Nou.

However, a new report claims Spain’s financial difficulties will allow the Premier League sides to overpower their rivals, with United said to have “taken the lead”, despite the allure of the two LaLiga heavyweights.

Arsenal are described as “closely monitoring” the situation in Milan, but the presence of Gabriel and William Saliba – the best defensive partnership in Europe – means a move for Bastoni is something of a luxury for the Gunners, rather than a necessity.

The Red Devils are prepared to table a “more aggressive offer” than their competitors, with INEOS intent on “rebuilding the defence” with a new leader at the heart of it.

Final Thoughts

Bastoni is a world-class operator whose value to his team goes far beyond his status as a ‘centre-back’. He would be an instant upgrade for virtually every team in Europe, even with the resurgent form of Martinez in recent months.

However, the defender’s contract at the San Siro runs until 2028, giving Inter a strong negotiating position. Furthermore, he has not expressed any interest in an exit, instead praising the club – and his place within it – in interviews.

It would take a big-money offer to lure Bastoni from Milan to Manchester in a transfer window where the bulk of United’s budget will be directed towards the midfield. This leaves little chance of there being sufficient funds to land Italy’s best player this summer.

Featured image Emmanuele Ciancaglini via Getty Images

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