Report: Liverpool are in the race to sign world-class Serie A star

Report: Liverpool are in the race to sign world-class Serie A star Liverpool Join Chelsea in Alessandro Bastoni Race as Inter Milan Hold Firm on £70m Valuation Liverpool are among the clubs tracking Alessandro Bastoni again, with TeamTalk reporting that the Inter Milan defender remains firmly on the shortlist of several elite sides ahead of future transfer windows. The Italy international, now 27, has long been viewed as one of Europe’s standout central defenders. That status has only strengthened interest from across the continent, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona all said to be in the picture. Inter’s stance, however, appears clear. Any serious conversation would need to start at close to £70 million. The report states that Bastoni “is once again on the radar of several leading European clubs”, while Chelsea and Liverpool are specifically said to be “maintaining their interest in the defender”. For Liverpool, that wording matters. It suggests this is not a fleeting check-in or loose admiration, it points to ongoing background work on a player who has been assessed in detail. Bastoni Fits Liverpool Defensive Planning There is a clear logic to Liverpool’s interest. TeamTalk says the club “have already done significant work on Bastoni and continue to view him as an option as they prepare to move on from Virgil van Dijk”. That is a striking line, and one that frames Bastoni as part of longer-term succession planning rather than a market opportunity that has suddenly emerged. Photo: IMAGO The same report adds that “The Reds are looking at a number of defensive targets ahead of 2027 and Bastoni remains a player firmly on their radar.” In recruitment terms, that sounds exactly like the sort of process top clubs undertake when refreshing a key area of the squad. Liverpool may not be alone in the chase, but they clearly have a dossier built around the Inter man. Bastoni’s profile is easy to understand. He is comfortable defending space, strong in duels, composed in possession and progressive with his passing. He has already shown he can operate at the highest level in Serie A and the Champions League, and his experience in a back three gives him valuable tactical flexibility. Even for clubs who defend differently, that combination of composure and athletic quality makes him highly attractive. Chelsea and Man City Add Pressure Chelsea’s interest also makes sense in the context of their current structure. TeamTalk notes that the London club “remain admirers as they continue to shape their defence under Xabi Alonso”. It adds that Chelsea “have moved towards a back-three system” and feel they “could still be short of the ideal central figure to operate in that structure”. From that perspective, Bastoni looks almost tailor-made. The report says his “ability to defend in a back-three, while also possessing the technical quality and passing range to contribute in possession, would make him an obvious fit for Alonso’s system.” If Chelsea decide to push, they would do so with a strong tactical argument. Manchester City are another factor. Their current interest is described as live, although it may hinge on movement elsewhere. TeamTalk says, “City’s position could become particularly interesting if Ruben Dias were to leave the Etihad Stadium.” With “interest in the Portugal international, particularly from Saudi Arabia”, a vacancy could open in Enzo Maresca’s back line, potentially bringing another heavyweight bidder into the frame. Barcelona Dream Still Lingers Barcelona’s role in this story remains significant. The Spanish giants were heavily involved previously, and TeamTalk says Bastoni “was convinced that a switch to Barcelona was close at the time, with the player prioritising the move as negotiations progressed”. Ultimately, Inter’s demand for “close to £70million” proved too high, and the move collapsed. That previous preference for Barcelona is important context, though perhaps not a decisive obstacle for Premier League clubs. The report is careful on that point, saying Bastoni’s “preference for Barcelona at that stage should not be interpreted as a reluctance to move to England.” It goes further, adding that “intermediaries have made it clear to the interested Premier League clubs that Bastoni is very much open to a move to England.” That line is likely to be of real encouragement to Liverpool and Chelsea alike. It removes one of the more obvious doubts and keeps the Premier League route very much alive, should either club move beyond exploratory work. Inter Milan Hold Strong Position For now, Inter remain in control. TeamTalk reports that they are “under no immediate pressure to sell one of their most important players.” That significantly strengthens their negotiating hand, especially given Bastoni’s standing within the squad and the scarcity of elite left-sided central defenders on the market. The valuation also appears fixed in broad terms. Inter’s “previous valuation of close to £70million gives an indication of the level required to tempt the Serie A giants into doing business.” In a market where proven defenders with top-level pedigree command a premium, that figure feels substantial but understandable. Whether Liverpool decide to escalate their interest may depend on timing, budget, and how they prioritise the next phase of defensive evolution. What is clear is that Bastoni is not a speculative name. He is established, admired and expensive, and Liverpool are very much in the conversation. Our View From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this is the sort of link that immediately grabs attention. Bastoni feels like a serious name, a proper elite-level centre-back, and the suggestion that Liverpool “have already done significant work on Bastoni” makes this one more credible than the average rumour cycle. If Liverpool are truly planning the next era of their defence, then targeting a player of this calibre would be a strong statement. Bastoni brings authority, balance on the left side, and quality on the ball. You can see why he would appeal to any top club trying to build from the back with more control and composure. The £70 million fee is obviously huge, and that matters. Liverpool have to be certain at that level. Yet if you are spending big, you want it to be on a player who raises the floor and ceiling of the whole back line, and Bastoni looks like that type. He is experienced without feeling short-term, and polished without losing aggression. The Barcelona angle is worth watching, because players often keep that dream alive. Still, the line that he is “very much open to a move to England” is the most encouraging part of the report for Liverpool fans. If the club see him as the right long-term answer, this feels like a chase worth pursuing.