Real Madrid are allegedly interested in signing the 22-year-old Italian international as a replacement for Raphael Varane.
According to a report by the Spanish website Fichajes, Real Madrid appears to have started looking for a replacement for Raphael Varane during the summer transfer season. To that aim, the Spanish giants have set their sights on Inter Milan’s 22-year-old Italian international, who may be moved.
Since joining Inter Milan from Atalanta in the summer of 2017, he has come a long way. Before his breakout season in 2019/20, the kid was shipped out on a couple of season-long loan stints. And, in the previous two seasons, he has established himself as an important member of the Nerazzurri’s first-team setup.
He has been one of the most improved players in Serie A throughout this time, appearing in 74 games for Inter Milan and contributing two goals and five assists. At the same time, the 22-year-old has broken into the Italian national team after playing a key role in Inter’s Serie A win last season. And his accomplishments have piqued the curiosity of one of the world’s most powerful teams, Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are in a dangerous position right now, having spent almost little money on new recruits in the previous two summer transfer windows. Even this year’s big acquisition, David Alaba, arrived on a Bosman move, and with financial problems arising from the Santiago Bernabeu’s growing restoration expenses coinciding with the entrance of the coronavirus epidemic, Los Blancos have had to be cautious.
At the same time, Real Madrid must assess their squad’s current state and construct a strong team capable of competing on all fronts next season. And defense is one area that has to be strengthened in the aftermath of Raphael Varane’s probable departure to Manchester United.
While Alaba may replace Ramos at the heart of Real Madrid’s defense, Varane’s departure will leave Carlo Ancelotti with only Eder Militao and Nacho as realistic possibilities. As a result, it is critical that Real Madrid buy a centre-back who fits within their budget, given that they still need to strengthen other areas.
To that aim, they’ve targeted Bastoni, albeit the Italian international isn’t cheap. Jules Kounde was allegedly considered as well, but the Frenchman is on his way to Chelsea. With Real Madrid’s choices becoming more limited, Bastoni may very well be the go-to man.
At a time when Inter Milan has to be helped out financially, Bastoni may be the player on the point of being offloaded, providing Real Madrid the opportunity to get him for a low-cost fee. Having said that, it remains to be seen whether a transfer for the 22-year-old will materialize.