Manchester United overtake Arsenal & Barcelona in race to sign 80m-rated star

"Manchester United now reportedly look to be leading the race for the transfer of Inter Milan central defender Alessandro Bastoni. The Italy international is a world class centre-back who's shone at the highest level for some time now, and it could mean bigger clubs end up poaching him from Inter. According to Fichajes, Bastoni is a top target for Man Utd, who now look to have moved ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for the 26-year-old's signature."

"Liverpool were also linked with Bastoni in a recent report from Football Insider, so it could prove tricky for Inter to keep hold of their star player. Having said that, it's also surely the case that Bastoni won't come cheap, with Transfermarkt valuing him at 80m. Meanwhile, going further back, another Fichajes report linked Bastoni with Chelsea, so it will be interesting to see if that comes up again."

"Bastoni is a top player, but it's not necessarily clear if United need to make him a priority right now as they're already strong at the back. The Red Devils could be losing Harry Maguire at the end of his contract this summer, but still have good depth at the back with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt. Links with Arsenal are a bit surprising given that they already have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes,"

Manchester United have moved ahead of Arsenal and Barcelona in the race to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni. Bastoni is a 26-year-old Italy international and a world-class centre-back who has performed at the highest level. Bastoni has also been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, and Transfermarkt values him at 80m, making any transfer costly. Inter could struggle to retain Bastoni amid interest from elite clubs. Manchester United already possess defensive options including Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt, though Harry Maguire could leave at the end of his contract. Barcelona could benefit from adding an elite defensive leader.

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