Arsenal and Liverpool join Barcelona in the race for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni has become the name on everyone’s lips, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly exploring the Italian international’s situation.
At Anfield, the interest in Bastoni is driven by a very specific long-term transition. Liverpool reportedly views the 26-year-old as the potential successor to Virgil van Dijk. With the Reds looking to ensure their backline remains elite as the seasons roll on, Bastoni’s rare combination of physical presence and ball-playing composure makes him a dream replacement.
‼️Alessandro Bastoni wants to know if Barcelona’s interest is real before renewing his contract with Inter Milan.
— @_AdrianSnchz pic.twitter.com/0WdpAfIYF6
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 24, 2026
His ability to launch attacks from deep is seen as the perfect fit for the high-intensity system that has defined Liverpool’s success.
Meanwhile, North London is also calling. Mikel Arteta is said to believe that Bastoni would be a perfect tactical fit for Arsenal’s evolving style of play. The Gunners have built their title charge on a foundation of technical defenders, and Bastoni’s elite passing range would offer another dimension to their build-up play.
It’s not just an English affair, though, as Barcelona remains firmly in the mix. The Catalan giants have been monitoring Bastoni for some time, with young star Pau Cubarsí even going public with his admiration for the Italian.
Despite the outside noise, Inter Milan won’t just allow Batoni go without a fight. Bastoni is a regular starter and a local hero in Milan, having already registered two goals and six assists in 33 appearances this season.
While his current contract runs until June 2028, the Nerazzurri are reportedly preparing a new offer that would keep him in Milan until 2030. They know that losing a player of his caliber would be a massive blow to their domestic and European ambitions, especially given his status as a pillar of the Italian national team.
The next few months will be an interesting one for Bastoni and Inter faithful as the club fights to keep one of the best defenders in their squad right now.
