There is still a big gap to bridge between Inter and defender Alessandro Bastoni in the contract extension talks that are now well underway.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInter1908, who report that the 23-year-old is hoping for a wage increase to around €6 million net per season, whilst the Nerazzurri are only ready to go as high as €4.5 million net per season.

Inter will have to stay within their budgetary considerations as far as the wage bill as they approach talks with Bastoni to try and extend the former Parma and Atalanta player’s contract past the end of June 2024.

The will on both sides is to try and find an agreement to continue on together.

However, given that the 23-year-old is expecting a significant pay raise to reflect his importance to the team, it could become difficult to come together and agree terms on a new deal.