Jose Mourinho wants Alessandro Bastoni at Real Madrid, but convincing the club to make another major investment in defence could prove more difficult than convincing the Inter Milan defender himself.
According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho has personally spoken with Bastoni and views the Italian international as an ideal addition to his squad.
It is said that the Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield.
That stance is largely driven by the uncertainty surrounding Eder Militao’s recovery and concerns over Antonio Rudiger’s current level.
This is why Mourinho wants another high-quality defender he can rely on immediately, and Bastoni’s name has moved to the top of his thinking.
However, there appears to be a difference between Mourinho identifying his preferred signing and Real Madrid being prepared to pay for him.
The club has already invested heavily in strengthening their defensive options, and the prospect of another expensive arrival is facing resistance from within the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy.
Mourinho has already made contact with Bastoni
Mourinho made direct contact with Bastoni. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
As per the journalist. Mourinho has taken a personal interest in the possibility of bringing Bastoni to Spain and has already spoken directly with the Inter Milan player to understand his situation.
Real Madrid also made an informal approach to Inter during the World Cup, although the Italian club refused to put a starting price for the negotiations to begin.
Instead, Inter referred to the €75 million figure previously communicated to Barcelona and made it clear that they would not consider a sale below €60 million, creating a difficult negotiation for Real Madrid.
Bastoni is not a player Inter appear willing to lose cheaply, and Mourinho’s interest does not change the financial reality of the situation.
Hence, any deal would require another substantial outlay from a club that has already committed significant money to its defence.
The question is therefore not whether Mourinho rates Bastoni, as he clearly does.
Bastoni is the player Mourinho prefers. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
The real question is whether Real Madrid believe the current situation justifies another investment of at least €60 million.
Real Madrid have spent heavily on their defence
Real Madrid have already invested in defenders such as Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, and Florentino Perez believes the club has done enough business in that area of the pitch.
From the club’s perspective, the defensive line has already been addressed, but Mourinho sees it differently.
The Portuguese manager remains concerned about how quickly Militao can return to his best after his injury, while Rudiger’s form has also left him wanting another reliable option at the heart of the defence.
But Real Madrid have informed their manager that another defender will not arrive under normal circumstances.
A move could only become realistic if an unexpected departure creates space in the squad and the budget, or if a serious injury forces the club to reassess its plans.