Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni after Barcelona appeared to have abandoned their interest in the Italian international.
According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have no intention of letting one of the team’s most important players leave without a substantial offer, setting Bastoni’s price at around 70 million euros.
However, any eventual move from Real Madrid is also expected to depend on the approval of new coach Jose Mourinho, who is evaluating options for strengthening the defensive department for next season.
The report adds that relations between Inter and Real Madrid have recently strengthened following the transfer of Denzel Dumfries to the Santiago Bernabeu for 20 million euros.
Inter president Beppe Marotta is also reported to have held a meeting with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in the Spanish capital, where Bastoni’s future was among the topics of discussion.
Los Blancos have already secured defensive reinforcements with the signing of French centre-back Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, but the club continues to look for alternatives to increase competition and quality at the back.
Bastoni is considered one of the best defenders in Serie A and a key element in Inter’s schemes, so it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will be willing to meet the Italian club’s financial demands to finalize the deal.
