‘We’re not a selling club’: Inter Milan president closes the door on Real Madrid target’s exit | OneFootball

In recent days, Real Madrid have been credited with strong interest in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

The Merengues are in the market for defensive reinforcements in the summer, with incoming manager Jose Mourinho identifying it as an area of concern.

Bastoni, to that end, emerged as a key target, with reports in Spain even suggesting that Mourinho had already gotten the Italian international’s ‘yes’ for the transfer.

Bastoni going nowhere

However, according to Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta, Bastoni will not be leaving the club this summer.

Bastoni will stay, insists Marotta. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Indeed, the Nerazzurri chief confirmed that the 27-year-old centre-back is happy at the club and has not asked to leave despite courting interest from Real Madrid as well as Barcelona.

“I think our fans can be relaxed with Bastoni situation. He never asked to leave, he’s so happy here and we’re not a selling club,” Marotta told DAZN, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“I believe Bastoni will stay with us,” Marotta added.

Running out of targets

This leaves Real Madrid in a bit of a bind, considering that they are fast running out of preferred targets for the centre-back position.

Mourinho wants new defenders at Madrid. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

With Eder Militao’s injuries, Antonio Rudiger’s age, and David Alaba’s exit, at least one new central defensive signing is an absolute necessity at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, as things stand, a move for Bastoni might not materialise. The club had been previously linked with players like Dayot Upamecano and Nico Schlotterbeck, both of whom have renewed their contracts with their respective clubs.

Another target, Ibrahima Konate, is also on track to signing a new deal with Liverpool.