Real Madrid hesitant to spend €70 million on Mourinho’s preferred centre-back target | OneFootball

While the summer transfer window might not still be open officially, Real Madrid have moved swiftly to secure as many as four signings.

However, incoming manager Jose Mourinho intends to make more additions to the squad, with a new centre-back being one of his priorities.

The Portuguese tactician is, in particular, looking for a left-footed central defender, giving way to links with players like Nico Schlotterbeck and Piero Hincapie.

Alessandro Bastoni is Mourinho’s preferred choice

However, according to journalist Miguel Serrano, the Real Madrid head coach’s preferred choice happens to be Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.

Mourinho likes Bastoni. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old Italian centre-back has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, with Barcelona initially showing interest in his services.

The Blaugrana have since abandoned his pursuit, but Real Madrid could enter the race for Bastoni, considering that Mourinho sees him as the ideal centre-back signing for his project.

A left-footed player with ball-playing abilities, the Inter Milan ace also brings top-level experience and winning mentality to the table.

€70 million price tag a concern

However, as per the report, Real Madrid have concerns about spending big on the defender, especially after having splashed a large sum of money on Marc Cucurella.

Indeed, Los Blancos signed the left-back from Chelsea for a fixed fee of €55 million and another €5 million in add-ons.

Bastoni will cost at least €70 million. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After that outlay, the Spanish capital giants are hesitant to go big on Bastoni as well, who will command a transfer fee of €70 million.

Considering that Real Madrid also intend to bring in a new central midfielder and are also planning a huge bid for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, it is understandable that they are having second thoughts about spending a large sum on Bastoni as well.

As for the player, he already has two offers from the Premier League but is stalling at the moment to see whether Real Madrid make a concrete move.

So, it will be interesting to see how things evolve from here, with Mourinho seemingly keen on Bastoni but Real Madrid having reservations about his €70 million price tag.