The world of football is in turmoil with the possibility that Alessandro Bastoni, one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe, could strengthen Real Madrid, in a genuine market offensive that promises to shake up the upcoming season. José Mourinho, returning to the Spanish capital, does not hide his desire to bring the Italian international to Santiago Bernabéu and has reportedly already given orders for the club to accelerate contacts with Inter Milan. If confirmed, it will be one of the biggest transfers of the summer and could completely change the defensive axis of the merengues.
The interest of Real Madrid in Bastoni comes at a time when Inter Milan has set a base value of 70 million euros to begin any negotiations, a threshold that has already caused Barcelona to retreat in the face of the Italians’ intransigence. However, Real Madrid, driven by Mourinho’s vision and the need to strengthen the defensive sector, seems willing to proceed. The Portuguese coach has placed Bastoni at the top of his list of reinforcements, but keeps Rúben Dias as an alternative should the deal with Inter prove impossible. Bastoni, 27, became the Italian champion this season under the management of Cristian Chivu, establishing himself as one of the most valued defenders in European football and a key player in the defensive scheme of the Nerazzurri.

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This potential deal gains even more relevance considering the current context of Real Madrid, which aims to build a truly competitive team to challenge on all fronts in 2024/25. The imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé for the attack has already raised fans’ expectations, but Mourinho is determined to strengthen the defense, especially after some less successful performances last season. Inter, on the other hand, does not feel pressured to sell Bastoni, as the player is under contract until 2028 and earns an annual salary of around 5.5 million euros. However, Real Madrid’s willingness to meet the Italian club’s financial demands could quickly unlock the dossier.
Another factor that could facilitate negotiations lies in the good institutional relations between the two clubs. Not only are discussions already underway for the transfer of Denzel Dumfries to Madrid, with the payment of the €20 million release clause, but a recent meeting between Florentino Pérez and Beppe Marotta during the Corazón Classic Match solidarity event at the Bernabéu may have helped lay the groundwork for this million-euro deal. Mutual trust between the management could be decisive for Bastoni to indeed wear white next season.
At the same time, Mourinho made it clear that Gonzalo García is not available to leave the squad this summer. According to Marca, the Portuguese coach demanded that the club’s management suspend all negotiations regarding the young Spanish forward, expressing his desire to observe him during pre-season. “I want to count on Gonzalo, he is a player with potential and can be a valid option for our attack,” Mourinho said in a private meeting with the Madrid officials. García, for his part, has already expressed his desire to remain in Madrid as long as he is guaranteed playing time: “I want to continue at Real Madrid and fight for a place. If I get opportunities, I will gladly stay,” the forward stated on the sidelines of a recent training session.
The maintenance of Gonzalo García takes on special importance at a time when Real Madrid is preparing a genuine revolution in attack, with Kylian Mbappé assuming the role of the biggest star. However, Mourinho does not want to rely solely on the Frenchman and seeks a quality alternative, betting on homegrown talent to surprise opponents. This investment in the young Spaniard could be decisive for the player’s development and for the dynamics of the squad throughout the season.
After a transfer market already marked by the arrival of Mbappé, Real Madrid is preparing for new significant movements. If Bastoni joins the squad and García establishes himself as a credible alternative, Mourinho will have a formidable set at his disposal, capable of competing for all titles. The coming weeks promise to be frantic in Madrid, with fans eager to see what other surprises the transfer market holds for the merengues. European football will be watching every move closely, as Real Madrid once again positions itself at the epicenter of the summer’s major decisions.
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