Alessandro Bastoni could be a realistic signing for Tottenham Hotspur this summer transfer window…
What’s the word?
That’s according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, who delivered a fresh verdict surrounding Spurs’ interest in the Inter Milan centre-back to GIVEMESPORT this week.
“Bastoni could be a more realistic option for Tottenham right now,” he said.
“[Antonio] Conte and Fabio Paratici will know all about him from their time in Italy and he might be a more achievable target.
“That could be the one Spurs push for as they look to bring in a new centre-back in the summer.”
Perfect Conte reunion
It is no secret that the north Londoners are targeting a major central defensive addition this off-season.
The Athletic recently claimed that a left-sided option will be a priority, naming the likes of Bastoni, Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, Lille’s Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck of Freiburg as potential signings.
Given Conte’s history and experience with the Italian, he could well be the best candidate and just as O’Rourke suggests, he is surely a viable and practical signing that Spurs could make.
Should Spurs pay £60m+ for Alessandro Bastoni?
Prior to the 52-year-old’s arrival at the San Siro, Bastoni was a young and unknown talent that had not featured for the first team. He is now a Serie A winner and valued in the region of £60m.
He started 33 of their 38 games on their way to Inter’s first Scudetto in 11 years and he continues to be an integral part under Conte’s successor, Simone Inzaghi.
Compared to Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Nesta, Bastoni offers sublime ball-playing abilities, ranking in the top five in the whole Italian top-flight by attempting 70.9 passes per 90. His ball retention is just as effective, grading at the 86th percentile out of 99 – perfect for Conte.
And whilst he’s not too effective in the air, he is very active and aggressive defensively, ranking in the 94th percentile for intensity.
It’s no wonder the 23-year-old gem has been lauded as a “Rolls-Royce” of a centre-back, as well as being “complete” and “dominant” – this is exactly the sort of profile that Conte adores, so you can only imagine him in a back-three involving Cristian Romero.
The fact that Bastoni is viewed as a realistic signing, despite his £60m valuation, is certainly fantastic news for the Italian head coach heading into the summer.
AND in other news, 75% duels won: £36m-rated Spurs “animal” was Conte’s only shining light at Brentford…
