Inter Milan table Alessandro Bastoni contract offer

Inter Milan have opened contract negotiations with Alessandro Bastoni, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Italy international defender’s contract runs out in June 2024, and the Nerazzurri are wary of interested parties monitoring his development.

Bastoni has long been linked with a move away from the San Siro. Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with a move for the player last summer, but nothing materialised.

Antonio Conte is an admirer of the 23-year-old who has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Italian top flight.

Often deployed on the left side of Simone Inzaghi’s back three, Bastoni has been a pivotal part of the Nerazzurri squad, who are firmly in the race for a top-four finish.

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausillio are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract and have tabled an opening offer to the player’s representatives.

They have offered the player a four-year contract that will see him earn around €5 million a year, which is significantly higher than his current €3.5m salary package. 

However, the player is holding out for around €5.5m, including bonuses. 

Bastoni has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, chipping in with five goals, including two in the Champions League.

Both the club and the player are keen to close the deal, and negotiations will continue after Inter’s Champions League round of 16 tie decider against Porto on March 14.

Inter may have failed in their renewal talks with Milan Skriniar, but they are keen to avoid a similar situation with other key squad members.

The club have also stepped up their efforts regarding contract extensions for Edin Dzeko, Matteo Darmian and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Calhanoglu has been one of the most consistent performers for the Nerazzurri this season, and his impressive performances have warranted a contract extension.

Dzeko and Darmian are approaching the twilight of their career, but they have been integral to Inzaghi’s side this term.

The club wants to extend their contracts, with the current deals set to expire at the end of the season.