Dream Transfer: Alessandro Bastoni to Chelsea

Chelsea consistently spends heavily on transfers but still needs to strengthen its defense, which lacks the depth and quality of its attacking and midfield units despite the squad's overall strength highlighted by their 2025 Club World Cup win. Players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoït Badiashile are considered below elite level, and Wesley Fofana's injury problems exacerbate the issue, making centre-back reinforcement crucial for competing for top honours.

Alessandro Bastoni is identified as an ideal target for Chelsea, regardless of cost or availability. He has been a fundamental part of Inter Milan's success, including reaching two of the last three Champions League finals, forming a strong spine alongside players like Yann Sommer, Nicolò Barella, and Lautaro Martínez. While not possessing the specific standout traits of defenders like Van Dijk, Rüdiger, or Saliba, Bastoni compensates with exceptional defensive intelligence, awareness, positioning, and ability to read the game.

Bastoni is ranked among the world's best centre-backs and would significantly upgrade Chelsea's defense under Enzo Maresca. His strengths include adept defending in the penalty area, winning one-on-one duels, and anticipating opposition forwards. Additionally, he is highly comfortable in possession, ranking very high among peers for passes, through balls, switches, carries, and take-ons, enabling him to step into midfield and break presses. He also contributes offensively, with consistent goal contributions over the last five seasons, including 2 goals and 6 assists last term.

Signing Bastoni would address Chelsea's stated desire to add experience, leadership, and grit to a squad that has recently signed only younger players. With 295 appearances for Inter and Italy, two Champions League finals, seven domestic trophies, and a European Championship, he brings significant winning pedigree. He would form a perfect partnership with young star Levi Colwill, providing a steady, intelligent presence to complement Colwill's aggression, similar to successful pairings at Liverpool and Arsenal. Tactically flexible, Bastoni is left-footed and used to playing on the left in a back three but could adapt to the right side of a partnership or allow Colwill to shift.

While no direct transfer links exist currently, a move for Bastoni is considered plausible for Chelsea. The club has the financial resources to meet a high asking price and can offer the chance to compete for major trophies. Uncertainty at Inter following Simone Inzaghi's departure and the allure of a new challenge in the Premier League under an Italian manager after eight years in Italy could also make a transfer appealing to the 26-year-old defender.