Real Madrid intensify contacts for €60 million-rated defender Mourinho sees as the ideal addition

In a major development, AS reports that Real Madrid have begun laying the groundwork for a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as the club continues reshaping Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of the new season.

The Portuguese manager identified the defensive line as the area most in need of strengthening, a strategy already reflected in the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries.

However, the club’s recruitment plans are not yet complete. Real Madrid’s next priority is signing another central defender, although any further arrivals remain dependent on player departures due to both financial considerations and squad registration limits.

Bastoni emerges as the main target

As per the report, club executives have intensified contacts with Inter Milan regarding Bastoni, who has become one of Mourinho’s preferred options to complete the defensive rebuild.

Relations between Real Madrid and Inter remain excellent, which contributed to the smooth negotiations surrounding Dumfries’ move, which has yet to be officially announced.

Real Madrid want Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter are fully aware of Real Madrid’s interest in Bastoni and, more importantly, of the defender’s desire to seek a new challenge.

This is not a recent development. During the season, Inter gave Bastoni permission to explore his future, leading to discussions with Barcelona that ultimately failed to produce an agreement.

Continuous dialogue between the clubs

Inter are said to accept the possibility of losing Bastoni and understand that Real Madrid are serious about pursuing the Italian international.

The two clubs have maintained regular and direct communication throughout the summer. Recent speculation even linked Inter with Nico Paz, although that possibility was never considered realistic by the Spanish club.

As negotiations continue on multiple fronts, Bastoni’s situation has evolved significantly over the past week, elevating him to the top of Mourinho’s shortlist.

Mourinho Changes the Picture

When Bastoni previously held talks with Barcelona, few anticipated Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid. Now, the circumstances have changed completely.

The defender has put other discussions on hold after learning of Real Madrid’s concrete interest, although he also understands that any agreement is unlikely to be completed quickly.

Mourinho sees Bastoni as the ideal signing. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck’s recent injury, while less serious than initially feared, has effectively removed him from Real Madrid’s shortlist, further strengthening Bastoni’s position as a leading candidate.

The Italian centre-back is aware that the situation remains fluid and is prepared to wait while the clubs continue discussions.

Profile fits Mourinho’s requirements

Bastoni offers exactly the qualities Mourinho has requested: experience at the highest level, physical presence, defensive reliability and the ability to step straight into the starting lineup.

A deal is expected to cost in the region of €60 million if negotiations reach a successful conclusion.

For now, discussions are ongoing, but Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bastoni is firmly underway as the club continues its defensive overhaul.