Mourinho identifies Serie A defender as his ‘chosen’ centre-back target – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho is being brutal with the existing Real Madrid squad through his transfer decisions, and has not shown even mild hesitation in signing new players in positions where he has doubts.

The defence, on that front, is witnessing wholesale changes with Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate all arriving.

Mourinho, however, has no intention of stopping with the three signings and is further pushing for a second elite centre-back recruitment. His stance, needless to say, makes it clear that he does not believe in the existing options.

Italian star on the radar

As revealed by Miguel Serrano in a recent update, Mourinho has decided on his preferred signing for the second centre-back position, and it is none other than Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

Mourinho wans Bastoni at Real Madrid. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Italian star has been linked with a departure from Milan for several months now, and was initially touted as a top target for Barcelona.

Hansi Flick’s side, however, gradually waned their interest in the defender and Real Madrid may well pounce on the opening.

Bastoni is said to be Mourinho’s preferred centre-back option over all other available options this summer, and the manager values his combination of talent and experience heavily. Should he arrive, there will be no denying him a starting berth.

A difficult negotiation

Friction between Bastoni and the Inter Milan fanbase towards the end of the season was rumoured to be a reason why the player was looking for an exit in June.

Inter Milan will not make his exit easy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The situation now, however, is different and Inter Milan will not make it easy to sign the 27-year-old star. In fact, Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta even spoke in a public interview and closed the door to Bastoni’s exit.

“I think our fans can be relaxed with Bastoni’s situation. He never asked to leave, he’s so happy here and we’re not a selling club,” he said.

It thus remains to be seen how Real Madrid go about Mourinho’s request, especially given how they have largely been going all out to please him this summer. Nico Schlotterbeck is another option being closely linked with the club, but Bastoni is the chosen one.

Last season, the Inter Milan star made 28 league starts for his club and oversaw eight clean sheets. He averaged close to ten defensive actions and one key pass per game.