Real Madrid are continuing to push for major defensive reinforcements ahead of next season, but one of their priority targets could prove extremely difficult to sign financially.
According to Ok Diario, Inter Milan are demanding €75 million to part ways with Alessandro Bastoni this summer, a figure currently seen as the biggest obstacle preventing the transfer from advancing further.
Despite the financial complications, though, there is certain confidence around the player’s willingness to join Los Blancos, especially after direct conversations with incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho has convinced Bastoni
Real Madrid’s defensive situation has become one of the club’s biggest priorities heading into the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are interested in Alessandro Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The departure of David Alaba, the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rudiger and the long-term injury problems suffered by Eder Militao have significantly reduced the reliable options available at centre-back.
Because of that, Real Madrid are now planning to sign two new defenders, and among the names being considered, Bastoni has emerged as one of the favourites.
As reported before, Mourinho has already held conversations with Bastoni regarding the role he would play in the new Real Madrid project and those talks are believed to have had a major impact on the defender’s thinking.
The Italian centre-back left the discussions convinced by Mourinho’s ideas and excited about the possibility of becoming part of a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Inter refusing to lower financial demands
Even though Bastoni is open to leaving Inter Milan this summer, the Serie A champions have no intention of making negotiations easy.
Bastoni would cost as much as €75 million. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Italian club fully understand the value of the defender and view him as one of the pillars of their squad moving forward.
As a result, they are refusing to entertain offers below €75 million despite the player’s desire to explore a new challenge.
That price creates a difficult balancing act for Real Madrid, as the club is already expected to invest heavily in several areas of the squad.
Hence, spending such a large amount on one defender could affect other planned operations during the window.