Chelsea are being linked with an €80m move to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as Xabi Alonso looks to fix his leaky defence.
Alonso has lost just one of his five games in charge of Chelsea but encouraging attacking football has come alongside defensive issues.
Chelsea have conceded nine times in four Premier League games, including twice to newly-promoted Hull City in a 2-2 draw at the weekend. The Blues also shipped three goals in a 6-3 League Cup win over Leeds.
As a result, Chelsea are assessing defensive additions and Alonso has reportedly placed Bastoni high on his wish-list. According to Corriere dello Sport, Chelsea are weighing up an €80m offer for Bastoni, who is open to a new challenge.
Barcelona pursued a deal for Bastoni in the summer, but Inter’s demands deterred that interest from the Spanish champions.
Chelsea consider Bastoni an ideal addition given his experience in a three centre-back system, with the Italy international regarded as one of the best progressive defenders in Europe.
Bastoni was named Serie A’s Best Defender in 2023/24 and 2024/25, and has been named in the Team of the Season on five occasions. He formed part of the Inter sides that reached the Champions League final in 2023 and 2025.
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