Chelsea Join Liverpool in £70m Alessandro Bastoni Race

Chelsea and Liverpool battle for £70m Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni

Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, with Inter holding out for close to £70million. The 27-year-old is reportedly open to a move to England, though Barcelona also remain in the picture.

Player: Alessandro Bastoni, 27, Inter Milan centre-back
Asking price: Close to £70million
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona
Player stance: Open to a Premier League move, according to intermediaries
Inter stance: Under no immediate pressure to sell
Stage: Rumour — admiration and groundwork, no formal bid reported

Deal details

Inter Milan's valuation of close to £70million is the clearest guide to any deal, and the Serie A club are under no immediate pressure to sell one of their most important players. Their stance means any buying club will likely have to meet a premium fee and move on Inter's terms. The previous valuation would probably be the starting point for negotiations rather than the end.

Bastoni was close to joining Barcelona previously, with the player prioritising the move as negotiations progressed. The transfer collapsed because Inter's determination to secure close to £70million for their star defender ultimately proved a major obstacle. Barcelona are considering their options ahead of the next transfer windows and could revisit the market in defence if they can create room through sales.

Crucially for Chelsea and the Premier League clubs, Bastoni's previous preference for Barcelona should not be interpreted as a reluctance to move to England. Intermediaries have made it clear to the interested Premier League clubs that Bastoni is very much open to a move to England.

Who is in the race?

From a Chelsea perspective, the report states that the Blues remain admirers as they continue to shape their defence under Xabi Alonso. That line matters, because it points to a specific tactical fit rather than a general appreciation of quality. Chelsea have moved towards a back-three system, and there is said to be a belief internally that they could still be short of the ideal central figure to operate in that structure.

Bastoni is comfortable defending wide spaces, composed when stepping into midfield zones, and progressive in possession. TeamTalk notes that Bastoni's 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. Few defenders combine left-sided balance, aerial authority and build-up quality at his level.

Chelsea are far from alone. Liverpool are described as another club with serious interest. TeamTalk says Liverpool 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. The Merseyside club are said to be looking at a number of defensive targets ahead of 2027 and Bastoni remains a player firmly on their radar.

Manchester City continue to retain an interest in Bastoni, and their position could become particularly interesting if Ruben Dias were to leave the Etihad Stadium. With Saudi Arabian interest in Dias mentioned, there is a possible chain reaction. Should City need a high-end replacement or a fresh defensive leader, Bastoni would naturally enter that conversation.

Why Bastoni fits Chelsea's back-three under Xabi Alonso

Alessandro Bastoni is not a standard centre-back target. His left-sided profile allows him to cover the wide channel in a back three while stepping into midfield with the ball. That dual role is exactly what Xabi Alonso appears to want as Chelsea shift towards a three-man defence. The internal belief that the squad lacks the ideal central figure for that structure explains why Bastoni's name keeps returning.

The tactical detail matters. A back three demands at least one defender who can break lines with a pass or carry. Bastoni does both, and his comfort in wide areas means Chelsea would not need to sacrifice defensive solidity when the wing-backs push high. He would also give the midfield a natural outlet when pressed, helping the team play higher up the pitch and sustain attacks.

For Liverpool, the appeal is succession. The report frames Bastoni as part of a longer-term plan rather than a short-term opportunistic target, with significant groundwork already done. If Virgil van Dijk moves on, Bastoni's experience at the top level and ability to organise a back line would be a natural fit. Manchester City are lurking in the background, and a possible exit for Ruben Dias could turn their interest into something concrete.

Barcelona remain relevant because of their past pursuit. The player's previous preference for the Catalan club is on record, but the collapsed move shows Inter's price is the real hurdle. If Barcelona can raise funds through sales, they could re-enter the race. That keeps the market open for Chelsea, Liverpool and City, but it also means none of them can afford to wait too long.

The numbers that define the deal

£70million: Inter's previous valuation and likely starting point for any negotiation
27: Bastoni's age, placing him in his prime years
Three: Number of Premier League clubs reported to be interested — Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City
2027: The timeframe Liverpool are reportedly looking at for defensive targets

Talking points

Is £70m a fair price for Bastoni when Chelsea could spend similar on a younger defender with resale value and lower wages?
Liverpool have done the groundwork, but can they convince Bastoni to join a post-Van Dijk project rather than a ready-made title contender?
If Manchester City sell Ruben Dias to Saudi Arabia, does that make them the most dangerous rival in this race?
Bastoni's previous Barcelona preference was clear — should Chelsea worry that his openness to England is only a fallback?

What happens next

Chelsea must decide whether Bastoni becomes the priority defensive signing or one of several elite options under review. Liverpool's advanced homework means they could move quickly if the conditions fall into place, while Manchester City are waiting on the Ruben Dias situation. Inter will not lower their £70million valuation without pressure, so the next window will reveal which club is prepared to pay. Bastoni remains open to England, but Barcelona have not gone away.

Frequently asked questions

How much would Chelsea have to pay for Alessandro Bastoni?

Inter Milan's previous valuation was close to £70million, and there is nothing to suggest their stance has softened. That figure would likely be the starting point for negotiations.

Is Alessandro Bastoni open to a move to the Premier League?

Yes. Intermediaries have made it clear to the interested Premier League clubs that Bastoni is very much open to a move to England, and his previous Barcelona preference should not be taken as reluctance.

Which clubs are interested in Alessandro Bastoni?

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are all interested, while Barcelona continue to monitor the situation. Inter Milan are under no immediate pressure to sell.