€70m price tag fuels Real Madrid’s chase for Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni

Real Madrid are prepared to spend around €70 million on a centre‑back this summer, with Alessandro Bastoni emerging as the club’s preferred target after a shift in the transfer market, following an ankle injury to Nico Schlotterbeck that has lowered his priority and signalling Jose Mourinho’s intent to reinforce the defence under his renewed spell at the Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho returned to the helm of Real Madrid earlier this month and has taken charge of the club’s transfer agenda. He was instrumental in securing Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva for the Bernabeu side.

Mourinho has also earmarked Enzo Fernandez as his preferred midfield acquisition. The Dutch right‑back Denzel Dumfries has already been agreed, though his signing is still awaiting official confirmation.

The focus now shifts to Alessandro Bastoni, the 27‑year‑old Inter Milan centre‑back who has expressed a strong desire to join Los Blancos this summer. Inter are aware of Bastoni’s wish to leave, and the defender has paused other options to prioritise an approach from Real Madrid. Club bosses have indicated the deal would likely cost around €70 million.

Earlier in the transfer window Real Madrid listed Nico Schlotterbeck as a leading centre‑back option, but an ankle injury that will sideline him for six to eight weeks has reduced his appeal. Consequently, Bastoni’s stock has risen within Valdebebas as Schlotterbeck’s has fallen.

Real Madrid’s willingness to spend €70 million reflects a broader intent to invest heavily and narrow the gap with Barcelona ahead of the 2026‑27 season. The club continues to explore Serie A options while also managing potential exits.