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Real Madrid has opened informal discussions with Inter Milan over a potential move for centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, positioning the club to land one of Serie A’s most coveted defenders. The 27-year-old Italian international has been identified as a priority target by new head coach José Mourinho, who has reportedly made direct contact with the player himself.
Inter Milan’s response? A firm €70 million price tag, roughly $80 million. That’s the same number they reportedly quoted Barcelona before the Catalan club’s interest cooled.
Mourinho’s fingerprints are all over this
Mourinho’s personal involvement in reaching out to Bastoni signals something important. This isn’t a case of a sporting director throwing names at a wall. The coach wants this specific player, and he’s willing to pick up the phone to make it happen.
Bastoni, for his part, appears open to the idea. His camp has signaled a willingness to entertain a move, provided the terms make sense. Some of these conversations have already moved beyond phone calls. Informal discussions reportedly took place at a charity event attended by top Inter officials.
Why Bastoni fits the puzzle
Bastoni is a left-footed defender with exceptional passing range, the kind of player who can start attacks from the back line. Bastoni has been with Inter since coming through their youth system and has won multiple Serie A titles during his time at San Siro. He’s contracted until 2028, which gives Inter significant leverage in negotiations.
That contract length is the main reason Inter can hold firm at €70 million. There’s no urgency on their end, no expiring deal forcing their hand.
Barcelona’s exit clears the runway
Barcelona had previously been linked with Bastoni, and Inter communicated that same €70 million valuation to them. But Barcelona’s interest has since faded, removing what would have been the most awkward possible bidding war from the equation.
Without Barcelona in the picture, Madrid doesn’t face the pressure of a rival domestic superclub driving up the price. They can negotiate from a position of relative calm, knowing they’re the primary suitor rather than one of several clubs scrambling for the same player.
No formal bid has been submitted yet, and these remain informal discussions at this stage. Mourinho wants Bastoni, Bastoni is at least willing to listen, and the only real obstacle is whether Madrid will meet Inter’s €70 million asking price.
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