Man United could pay €153k-a-week to sign €55m Serie A star
Manchester United may have to spend roughly €153,000 per week if they are successful in obtaining Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni this summer, according to Inter Live.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are now the regular center backs for the Red Devils, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire acting as back-ups.
Luke Shaw has played left center-back regularly this season as well, but manager Erik ten Hag may still be looking to add to the group.
Maguire’s departure from Old Trafford has long been speculated. His departure this summer may pave the way for the hiring of a young replacement.
If Bastoni’s contract issue with Inter continues through the conclusion of the summer transfer window, according to Inter Live, the Red Devils would have a choice in Bastoni.
In addition to the center-current back’s annual salary of €2.7 million (or €4 million with add-ons), Inter reportedly wants to give him a new deal for €4.5 million with incentives.
But, his agent is requesting $6 million. The report claims that United will send Inter a “concrete threat” about the Italy international if a solution is not reached.
The Red Devils could be willing to pay as much as €8 million annually, or €153,000 per week.
Bastoni would provide Martinez with some strong competition.
The left-footed center-back is a 23-year-old professional. Shaw has done a fantastic job this year of covering Martinez, but Ten Hag could prefer an all-natural Argentine to fill Martinez’s spot.
Bastoni would be a great acquisition because of his exceptional defensive abilities. This season, the Italian has averaged four duels per game while making around two tackles.
He has also taken advantage of five big chances and completed 86% of his passes. We think Bastoni may play with Martinez on a regular basis if he were to join the squad.
The center-back may be peeled away for a cut-rate fee if Inter is unable to convince him to extend his contract before it expires next summer. His Transfermarkt value at the moment is €55 million.