Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho wanted to strengthen his squad with Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, according to Spanish newspaper Diario AS.
The report says Real Madrid considered Bastoni as a target for the centre of their defence, but a deal with the Italian club did not materialise. Inter were seeking €70m for the player, while Bastoni himself was not demanding that he be released immediately.
Diario AS claims the proposed transfer ultimately failed for two reasons. The first was the arrival of Ibrahima Konate, while the second was Raul Asencio remaining at Real Madrid. Those developments meant the Spanish club did not complete a move for Bastoni.
The report does not suggest that Bastoni forced the issue or sought an immediate departure from Inter. Instead, the situation was shaped by Real Madrid’s own squad decisions and by the asking price set by the Milan club.
Bastoni’s name was therefore linked with a possible move to Madrid during Mourinho’s time as Real Madrid head coach, but the transfer remained unrealised. Inter’s valuation of €70m was a significant part of the negotiations, while the presence of Konate and Asencio reduced the need for Real Madrid to add another central defender.
The report presents the failed deal as the result of circumstances surrounding the squad rather than a public dispute involving the player. Bastoni stayed at Inter, while Real Madrid continued with the defensive options available to Mourinho.
After four rounds of the Spanish championship, Real Madrid are third in the table with nine points. They are three points behind leaders Barcelona.
The standings place Real Madrid within reach of the top position, although Barcelona have made the stronger start after the opening four matches. Real Madrid’s position and points total are separate from the reported transfer discussions surrounding Bastoni, which concerned the club’s plans to reinforce central defence.
Diario AS is the source of the report naming Bastoni as the defender Mourinho wanted to bring to Real Madrid. Inter’s €70m demand, the player’s unwillingness to insist on an immediate release, the arrival of Konate and Asencio’s continued presence at the club are all identified in the report as key elements in explaining why the move did not happen.