Real Madrid join Barcelona in race for Inter defender Bastoni

Real Madrid have emerged as a surprise contender for Alessandro Bastoni, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, with incoming manager José Mourinho understood to be an admirer of the Inter Milan centre-back just as Barcelona’s interest appears to be cooling.

According to Gazzetta, via CalcioMercato, Inter value Bastoni at a minimum of €70 million, a figure well within Real Madrid’s reach, and the Spanish giants face a significant defensive overhaul this summer, with David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger all departing as free agents.

Adding an experienced, internationally proven centre-back is considered a priority for Mourinho as he begins rebuilding the Bernabeu squad.

Barcelona had appeared to be the frontrunner, with Bastoni having previously indicated his openness to a move to Spain and personal terms reportedly discussed with his entourage.

However, coach Hansi Flick is understood to have developed reservations about the profile, preferring a centre-back with different technical characteristics. Those doubts have led the Catalan club to explore alternative targets, leaving the door open for Real Madrid to step in.

Bastoni himself remains keen to stay at Inter, where he has been a cornerstone of Cristian Chivu’s double-winning side.

But with Real Madrid’s interest now confirmed and Inter’s €70 million valuation unlikely to deter the Blancos, the summer could yet see one of Serie A’s most consequential transfer sagas reach a dramatic conclusion.