Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta is optimistic about overcoming a standstill in contract talks with star defender Alessandro Bastoni.
Despite recent reports suggesting the Nerazzurri could miss out on the centre-back’s extension due to a huge gap between their offer and the player’s demands, Marotta has an opposite opinion.
“We are confident, optimistic, confident,” the ex-Juventus chief executive said today, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.
Bastoni has been a defensive cornerstone at Inter over the past few years, establishing himself as an indispensable first-team member during Antonio Conte’s reign.
Nothing has changed for the Italian since Simone Inzaghi assumed control of the dugout in 2021, continuing to be an omnipresent figure in a three-man backline.
Known for his tackling ability, aerial strength and impressive technical skills for a defender of his size, Bastoni has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s finest talents.
Among several high-profile foreign clubs interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services are back-to-back Premier League champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s idea of building from the back would be a perfect match for Bastoni’s technical attributes, with the Cityzens following his development at Giuseppe Meazza since last summer.
With just over a year left to run on Bastoni’s current contract, Man City could launch a summer bid to prise him away from Serie A unless Inter strike a deal with the player first.
Although the first round of talks didn’t go well, Marotta is confident the club will persuade their prized asset to pledge his future to Mezza eventually, but it will take a substantial financial sacrifice.
As reported earlier, Bastoni is keen on increasing his current €3.2 million salary to around €5.5m. With Milan Skriniar heading towards the exit door, Inter may have enough funds in the budget to fulfil his wish.
The Serie A top-four hopefuls cannot afford to lose two influential defensive figures in one transfer window.
But since they’re unlikely to run the risk of letting Bastoni leave on a free transfer next summer, they have to step up talks and dig deep into their pockets to solve this issue as soon as possible.
