# Mourinho targets Alessandro Bastoni as Inter demand €70m for defender

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/internacional-en/mourinho-targets-alessandro-bastoni-as-inter-demand-e70m-for-defender/
- Published: 2026-07-26T12:37:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T15:38:21+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Internacional
- Tags: Alessandro Bastoni, Barcelona, football, Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho, La Liga

## Article

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni is heating up, as José Mourinho targets the Inter Milan defender to anchor his defensive overhaul at the Bernabeu. Despite a summer already marked by high-profile signings—including Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries, the latter poached from Inter—Mourinho remains intent on securing Bastoni’s signature, identifying him as the elite centre-back he most desires.

Madrid’s initial pursuit of Nico Schlotterbeck faltered, prompting a renewed focus on Bastoni, who re-emerged as a top candidate amid Inter’s turbulent finish to last season. Mourinho’s vision for a comprehensive defensive rebuild hinges on Bastoni’s qualities, making the Italy international a prime target once more.

However, Inter Milan are resolute in their stance, valuing Bastoni at no less than €70 million. The Nerazzurri have already rebuffed Barcelona’s earlier advances, and they are unlikely to lower their asking price for Madrid. The Spanish giants now face a critical decision: whether to meet Inter’s steep valuation after their already substantial summer expenditure.

This transfer saga underscores Mourinho’s relentless ambition to revamp Real Madrid’s backline with top-tier talent, yet the hefty price tag set by Inter presents a significant hurdle. The outcome of this pursuit will hinge on Madrid’s willingness to invest heavily once again to secure the defender Mourinho covets most.