Bastoni puts everything on hold as Real Madrid move in
The area that most concerned Mourinho within the club’s sporting management was the defence, as confirmed by the arrivals of Konate, Cucurella and Dumfries.
Real Madrid continue working on new arrivals, making the adjustments José Mourinho has requested to strengthen the current squad. However, everything depends on player departures. It is a matter of mathematics, both financially and in terms of available first-team squad places. The area that concerned the Portuguese coach most was the defence, as reflected by the arrivals of Konaté, Cucurella and Dumfries. But, as we have reported, the club’s plans do not end there. Real Madrid remain determined to sign another centre back, and to that end club executives have already stepped up their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni (27).
The relationship between Inter and Real Madrid is excellent, as demonstrated by the recent legends’ friendly at the Bernabéu. That strong relationship is also why Dumfries’ transfer has not yet been officially announced. Inter are fully aware of Real Madrid’s interest in Bastoni and, above all, of the defender’s desire for a new challenge. This is nothing new. During the season, Inter authorised Bastoni to explore his options, and he even held talks with Barcelona, although those negotiations ultimately came to nothing.
Inter have accepted the likelihood of Bastoni’s departure and understand that Real Madrid want to sign him, something the Italian club has known for some time. In recent days there has also been speculation about Inter’s interest in Nico Paz, although such a move was never realistic. Communication between the two clubs has remained constant and direct throughout the summer, a strategy Real Madrid have consistently maintained.
Just one week after the season ended, Bastoni’s situation changed significantly, to the point that he has become one of Mourinho’s preferred options to reinforce a defence that is still far from settled. When the Italian held talks with Barcelona, nobody expected, or even imagined, Mourinho would return to Real Madrid. Now the landscape has changed completely, and Bastoni has put everything else on hold in the hope of wearing the famous white shirt.
The Italy international already knows that Real Madrid want to sign him, but he is equally aware that any deal is unlikely to be completed quickly. The situation continues to evolve almost daily. The latest development was Schlotterbeck’s injury, which, although less serious than initially feared, has effectively ruled him out as a target for Real Madrid. Bastoni understands that nothing has been decided yet and is prepared to wait.
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Bastoni’s profile matches Mourinho’s requirements perfectly: an experienced, combative centre back capable of making an immediate impact. For now, he remains on standby as negotiations continue over a deal that could be worth around $70 million (approximately €60 million). Everything is in motion.
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