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In a significant development, reports from AS indicate that Real Madrid have started preparing the groundwork for a potential move to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, as the club continues to reshape Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.

The Portuguese tactician has pinpointed the defensive line as the area most in need of improvement — a plan already reflected in the recent acquisitions of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries.

However, Real Madrid’s transfer activity is far from complete. The club’s next objective is to secure another central defender, though any further arrivals will depend on outgoing transfers due to both financial constraints and squad registration regulations.

According to the report, Real Madrid executives have ramped up their communication with Inter Milan over Bastoni, who has emerged as one of Mourinho’s preferred candidates to complete the defensive revamp.

Relations between the two clubs remain strong, which facilitated smooth negotiations during Dumfries’ transfer — a deal that is yet to be officially confirmed.

Inter Milan are fully aware of Real Madrid’s interest in Bastoni and, more crucially, of the Italian defender’s inclination to take on a new challenge in his career.

This development has not come out of nowhere. Earlier in the season, Inter had granted Bastoni permission to explore his options, which led to discussions with Barcelona that eventually failed to result in an agreement.

Inter are reportedly open to the prospect of losing Bastoni and acknowledge that Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Italian international is genuine and determined.

Both clubs have maintained direct and consistent contact throughout the summer. Recent rumours even suggested Inter’s interest in Nico Paz, although Real Madrid never considered that scenario realistic.

As talks progress on several fronts, Bastoni’s situation has evolved notably in the past week, elevating him to the top of Mourinho’s list of defensive priorities.

When Bastoni previously engaged in talks with Barcelona, Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid seemed improbable. Now, with the Portuguese manager back at the Santiago Bernabeu, the dynamics have shifted entirely.

The 25-year-old defender has paused other negotiations after learning of Real Madrid’s concrete interest, though he also recognises that completing a deal will require time and may not happen immediately.

Following Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck’s recent injury — which, while not as serious as first feared, has effectively ruled him out of Real Madrid’s plans — Bastoni’s candidacy has gained even more strength.

The Italian centre-back remains patient as the clubs continue discussions, fully aware that the situation could evolve further.

Bastoni possesses precisely the attributes Mourinho desires: top-level experience, strong physical presence, defensive solidity, and the capability to slot directly into the starting eleven.

If negotiations reach a positive outcome, the deal is expected to be valued around €60 million.

For now, talks remain ongoing, but Real Madrid’s determined pursuit of Bastoni is well underway as the club pushes forward with its defensive restructuring under Mourinho’s guidance.