Liverpool ready £88m bid for Italian International | OneFootball

Report: Inter Milan Plot January Move for New Defender Amid Premier League Interest

Inter Milan are preparing to reinforce their back line in January as part of a broader plan to reduce the squad’s average age and sustain their title ambitions. The Italian side have been impressive domestically but recent performances have raised questions over defensive depth and longevity. According to Ilgiorno, the Nerazzurri are assessing several targets, including Manchester City’s Nathan Aké, as they aim to rejuvenate Cristian Chivu’s ageing defence.

A goal conceded against Kairat in the Champions League — their first in four matches — has placed further scrutiny on the back line. While Inter’s defence has conceded only 12 goals in Serie A so far, one fewer than last season under Simone Inzaghi, comparisons with their title-winning campaign show a clear decline. At the same stage that season, they had conceded just five.

Age is becoming an undeniable factor. Francesco Acerbi, 37, is nearing the end of his contract, while Matteo Darmian turns 36 in December. Stefan De Vrij, at 33, is also entering the latter stage of his deal, which runs until June 2026.

Marotta’s Financial Confidence

Club president Beppe Marotta has underlined Inter’s financial progress, suggesting the club are now in a position to make strategic investments. “For the first time we have closed our financial statement with a profit, it is a historic and deliberate achievement,” said Marotta. “There has been foresight and prudence from the club. We have managed to move forward with our philosophy, the ownership has set clear guidelines and objectives.”

Inter recorded a €35 million profit compared to last year’s €36 million loss, with revenues up by 37 percent to €546 million. This improved financial health has opened the door for a potential January signing to strengthen the squad.

Targets Across Europe

Aké, 30, is among the leading names under consideration. The Dutch defender has featured only six times across Premier League and Champions League fixtures for Manchester City this season. With the 2026 World Cup in mind, he is said to be open to a move to secure more playing time. Juventus and Crystal Palace are also monitoring his situation.

Other potential options include Marc Guehi, 25, of Crystal Palace, whose youth and profile appeal to Inter’s recruitment model, and Dayot Upamecano, 27, whose contract renewal talks with Bayern Munich have so far stalled. Meanwhile, younger defenders such as Lazio’s Mario Gila and Udinese’s Oumar Solet are also being scouted. Lecce’s 20-year-old Tiago Gabriel is seen as a promising long-term investment.

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Liverpool’s Interest in Bastoni

In a surprising twist, Ilgiorno reported that Liverpool are prepared to test Inter’s resolve with a €100 million bid for Alessandro Bastoni. The 26-year-old remains one of Serie A’s most accomplished defenders and is contracted until June 2028. Bastoni earns €5.5 million a year, placing him among the club’s top earners alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella.

For now, Inter remain firm. Yet with English clubs often willing to pay premium prices, the temptation may grow, particularly if the Nerazzurri pursue new defensive recruits.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the link to Alessandro Bastoni is intriguing but perhaps unrealistic in the short term. Bastoni has been pivotal for Inter and fits perfectly into their tactical structure, so prising him away mid-season would require extraordinary effort. However, given Liverpool’s ambition under Arne Slot and their ongoing evolution following last summer’s rebuild, interest in a defender of his calibre feels justified.

Virgil van Dijk is now 34 and while he remains elite, planning for the future is crucial. Bastoni’s composure, passing range and left-footed balance would suit Liverpool’s modern system, especially if Slot looks to maintain his progressive style of play.

Still, €100 million is a significant outlay, particularly with other priorities likely emerging in midfield and attack following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota earlier this year. While Bastoni would strengthen Liverpool’s back line, the more probable scenario is that the club continues scouting for younger, more attainable options.

Inter, meanwhile, appear to be entering a phase of transition and could use such funds wisely if a sale ever materialised. Yet at present, Bastoni remains a cornerstone of their defensive identity, and Liverpool fans may have to admire him from afar.