Alessandro Bastoni has heavily signaled his interest in a move to Real Madrid by liking Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post confirming Jose Mourinho’s imminent return as the Spanish club’s manager.
The incoming Real Madrid manager has reportedly placed the 25-year-old Inter Milan defender at the absolute top of his summer transfer wish list to anchor a complete defensive overhaul at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Portuguese tactician reportedly views the left-footed center-back as the ideal long-term leader for his backline due to his elite ball-playing ability and composure.
This dramatic shift in the transfer landscape comes as Barcelona completely withdraws from the race to sign the Italian international.
Spanish publication SPORT reports that Barcelona’s sporting management, led by Deco, made the decision to permanently freeze their pursuit after internal discussions and a realization that the club’s ongoing economic limitations prevent them from matching Inter Milan’s strict financial demands.
Reports from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio indicate that Inter Milan has valued Bastoni at no less than €70 million ($81.4 million) to entertain a sale, a price tag that SPORT notes Barcelona deemed entirely unsuitable given their current financial constraints. Seizing on Barcelona’s exit from negotiations, Real Madrid has accelerated its pursuit.