Mourinho’s €60m‑million pursuit of Bastoni stalls at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has personally spoken with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, rating the €60 million‑valued Italian as an ideal addition for Real Madrid, but the Spanish club’s hierarchy appears reluctant to fund another major defensive investment amid concerns over Eder Militao’s recovery and Antonio Rudiger’s form.

Mourinho's personal pursuit

According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho directly contacted Bastoni and described the Italian international as a perfect fit for his squad. He also believes that securing another centre‑back is more urgent than bolstering the midfield.

The Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for a new defender as pressing, driven by uncertainty surrounding Militao’s return and doubts about Rudiger’s current level. This urgency places Bastoni at the top of Mourinho’s transfer list.

Real Madrid's defensive spending

Real Madrid have already invested heavily in their back line, signing Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, with club president Florentino Perez stating the club has done enough business in defence.

The hierarchy has told Mourinho that another defender will not arrive under normal circumstances, suggesting a move would only become realistic if an unexpected departure or serious injury forces a reassessment.

During the World Cup, Real Madrid made an informal approach to Inter, but the Italian club refused to set a starting price, referencing a €75 million figure previously mentioned to Barcelona and insisting on a minimum of €60 million.

Inter Milan are unwilling to lose Bastoni cheaply, meaning any agreement would require a substantial outlay beyond the club’s recent defensive spending.

The core issue remains whether Real Madrid believes the current situation justifies another investment of at least €60 million, despite Mourinho’s clear preference for the defender. St Pierre’s photo caption highlights the personal nature of Mourinho’s interest.