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Liverpool is rumored to be targeting a significant move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as they look to bolster their backline.
The Merseyside club has been exposed defensively following Giovanni Leoni's extended injury absence and their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, prompting them to turn their attention back to Bastoni as a possible remedy.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool is readying an £88 million ($115.5M) bid for the 26-year-old, who Italian icon Giorgio Chiellini has hailed as "one of the best defenders" in world football.
"I know Alessandro well, he is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world," Chiellini said in 2023. "He is a player that Italy will be able to count on for many years, he just needs to continue working and maintaining the desire to improve."
Liverpool could make an approach for Bastoni as early as January, although they are said to be prepared to hold off until the summer if necessary - a strategy that may prove significant given Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future, with his existing deal due to run out at the end of the campaign.
If the transfer surpasses £80M ($105M), Alessandro Bastoni would become the costliest defender in history. Harry Maguire presently holds that record following his switch from Leicester to Manchester United in 2019.
Josko Gvardiol's £77M ($101.1M) transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023 is second only to Virgil van Dijk's £75M ($98.5M) move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018, which remains third on the list.
Whether Bastoni truly warrants such a hefty price tag is up for debate, but there's no denying his talent. A composed, left-footed defender, he combines strength, calmness and excellent distribution skills, making him a perfect match for a team that favours possession-based football.
Bastoni has been a standout player in Serie A, earning a spot in the league's Team of the Year three times in the last five seasons. He played a crucial role in Inter's title victories in 2020/21 and 2023/24 and was instrumental in their runs to the Champions League finals in both 2023 and 2025.
Liverpool is urgently in need of defensive stability following a shaky start to the season. Arne Slot's side have already let in 17 goals in their first 11 league matches - a significant increase compared to the six they had conceded at the same stage last season.
Its defensive weaknesses have been exacerbated by a tumultuous transfer window, during which Trent Alexander-Arnold left and full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez - who have so far failed to impress - were signed.
Having splashed out over £450M ($590.8M) on fresh talent, some believe that the influx of new signings has led to their inconsistent and disjointed performance. It's unclear whether another hefty expenditure will rectify the problem - but if Bastoni delivers as anticipated, Liverpool might deem the investment wholly worthwhile.
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