Enzo Maresca makes transfer request: Chelsea boss ‘CRAZY’ about €80m superstar

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly “crazy” about Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni and he is eager to finalise a deal for his compatriot next year.

The Blues hierarchy opted against purchasing a new centre-back following Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury in August and they have paid the price for that error throughout the 2025-26 season.

Defeats have all come when first-choice pairing Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana haven’t started alongside each other, with both Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile showing major weaknesses so far this term.

In an attempt to fix this, Maresca is determined to convince the Chelsea board to bring Bastoni to Stamford Bridge in 2026.

That is according to a report from Italian publication FCInterNews, who claim that both Maresca and Tottenham Hotspur’s sporting director Fabio Paratici are “crazy” about the 26-year-old.

It’s reported that Bastoni has previously rejected the advances of both London clubs, while he also turned down the chance to join Saudi Pro League duo Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah this summer.

Barcelona remain interested in signing the Italy international, however FCInterNews report that he has never considered leaving San Siro. Furthermore, he is expected to engage in contract extension talks over the next few months, despite the fact his current contract at Inter isn’t due to expire until 2028.

Who will Chelsea sign to improve their centre-back roster?

With a move for Bastoni currently unlikely, Chelsea may be forced to turn their attention to Nottingham Forest star Murillo, who has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge switch over the past few months.

Former Blues academy star Marc Guehi has also been earmarked as a possible option for Maresca’s side, however reports suggest that he is expected to join either Liverpool or Manchester City on a Bosman deal when his Crystal Palace contract expires in July.

Furthermore, instead of signing a new centre-back, Chelsea may opt to integrate Aaron Anselmino or Mamadou Sarr into the first-team when they return from respective loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg.

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