Real Madrid Contact Inter Over Bastoni as Mourinho Decision Looms | OneFootball

Real Madrid have informed Inter officials of their interest in centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, with the Nerazzurri holding firm at a €70 million asking price while the La Liga club await new coach José Mourinho’s approval before entering formal negotiations.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the approach was made informally during a charity event in Madrid featuring legends from both clubs. Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti and president Beppe Marotta were both present and were made aware of Real Madrid’s position.

Marotta has communicated a clear €70 million valuation – the same figure Inter put to Barcelona when the Catalans made their own approach for Bastoni weeks ago. Inter stood firm against Barcelona’s interest then, and there is nothing in the current situation to suggest the club’s resolve has softened.

Mourinho’s Verdict the Key Variable

Real Madrid will not advance to formal talks until Mourinho has completed his internal squad assessment and given explicit sign-off on Bastoni as a target. The Portuguese coach has only recently taken charge at the Bernabéu, and his defensive priorities are yet to be formally communicated to the club’s hierarchy.

Bastoni’s agent addressed the speculation directly, stating: “In football, anything can happen. A player like Bastoni attracts interest from all the top clubs, but that’s not the issue. He is happy where he is. You never know what life may bring, but right now, he is extremely happy where he is.” Cristian Chivu has also publicly confirmed that Bastoni is staying, reinforcing the club’s position at management level.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s broader transfer activity involving Inter continues to evolve. The Spanish club have already secured Denzel Dumfries this summer, activating his €20 million release clause ahead of a formal July move – a deal confirmed by Di Marzio. Bastoni represents a significantly more complex and expensive proposition, with his contract running until June 2028 removing any urgency from Inter’s side to negotiate.