1 hr. ago
Jose Mourinho wants Alessandro Bastoni at Real Madrid, but convincing the club to make another major investment in defence could prove more difficult than convincing the Inter Milan defender himself.
According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho has personally spoken with Bastoni and views the Italian international as an ideal addition to his squad.
It is said that the Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield.
That stance is largely driven by the uncertainty surrounding Eder Militao's recovery and concerns over Antonio Rudiger's current level.
This is why Mourinho wants another high-quality defender he can rely on immediately, and Bastoni's name has moved to the top of his thinking.
#bastoni #wants #convincing #jose
According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho has personally spoken with Bastoni and views the Italian international as an ideal addition to his squad.
It is said that the Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield.
That stance is largely driven by the uncertainty surrounding Eder Militao's recovery and concerns over Antonio Rudiger's current level.
This is why Mourinho wants another high-quality defender he can rely on immediately, and Bastoni's name has moved to the top of his thinking.
#bastoni #wants #convincing #jose
4 days ago
A new centre-back is high up Barcelona's priority list of operations for the summer transfer window, yet remains as one where the club have made the least progress.
Over the past few weeks, the Catalans have been superficially linked with several players including Aymeric Laporte, Alessandro Bastoni, Castello Lukeba and even Cristian Romero.
However, no notable progress has been made on any front.
Now, a report on SPORT brings to light an update on the club's centre-back aspirations and a critical decision they have taken on that front.
Indeed, as conveyed by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona have made contact with RB Leipzig to enquire about the situation and availability of Castello Lukeba. As a left-footed centre-back, he is seen as a great option.
#front
Over the past few weeks, the Catalans have been superficially linked with several players including Aymeric Laporte, Alessandro Bastoni, Castello Lukeba and even Cristian Romero.
However, no notable progress has been made on any front.
Now, a report on SPORT brings to light an update on the club's centre-back aspirations and a critical decision they have taken on that front.
Indeed, as conveyed by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona have made contact with RB Leipzig to enquire about the situation and availability of Castello Lukeba. As a left-footed centre-back, he is seen as a great option.
#front
8 days ago
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): 16 Di Gregorio; 15 Kalulu, 3 Bremer, 6 Kelly, 27 Cambiaso; 12 Douglas Luiz, 5 Locatelli, 22 McKennie; 11 Zhegrova, 30 David, 10 Yildiz.Subs.: 1 Perin, 23 Pinsoglio, 42 Nava, 2 Celik, 7 Conceicao, 8 Koopmeiners, 9 Kolo Muani, 13 Boga, 14 Milik, 17 Alajbegovic, 21 Miretti, 24 Rugani, 29 Arthur, 32 Cabal, 41 Owusu, 43 Puche, 45 Oboavwoduo, 46 Licina, 47 Durmisi.Coach: Luciano Spalletti.
INTER (3-5-2): 49 Provedel; 28 Pavard, 46 Bovio, 95 Bastoni; 11 Luis Henrique, 23 Barella, 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan, 32 Dimarco; 94 Esposito, 14 Bonny.Subs.: 1 Martinez, 12 Di Gennaro, 5 Stankovic, 7 Zielinski, 16 Frattesi, 17 Diouf, 30 Carlos Augusto, 31 Bisseck, 48 Mosconi, 52 Iddrissou, 53 Lavelli, 54 Marello, 56 Maye, 58 Topalovic, 60 Farronato.Coach: Cristian Chivu.
Referee: Tim Danaskos.Linesmen: Brad Wright - Andrew Meimarakis.Fourth official: Liam Barclay.
The Derby d'Italia will bring the Internazionale Summer Tour to a close, with Inter taking on Juventus in the second friendly scheduled in Perth and the final match of the Italian champions' Asian tour before returning to Milano.
Chivu's side will face the Bianconeri at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 8 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).
#subs #Perth #gregorio
INTER (3-5-2): 49 Provedel; 28 Pavard, 46 Bovio, 95 Bastoni; 11 Luis Henrique, 23 Barella, 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan, 32 Dimarco; 94 Esposito, 14 Bonny.Subs.: 1 Martinez, 12 Di Gennaro, 5 Stankovic, 7 Zielinski, 16 Frattesi, 17 Diouf, 30 Carlos Augusto, 31 Bisseck, 48 Mosconi, 52 Iddrissou, 53 Lavelli, 54 Marello, 56 Maye, 58 Topalovic, 60 Farronato.Coach: Cristian Chivu.
Referee: Tim Danaskos.Linesmen: Brad Wright - Andrew Meimarakis.Fourth official: Liam Barclay.
The Derby d'Italia will bring the Internazionale Summer Tour to a close, with Inter taking on Juventus in the second friendly scheduled in Perth and the final match of the Italian champions' Asian tour before returning to Milano.
Chivu's side will face the Bianconeri at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 8 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).
#subs #Perth #gregorio
14 days ago
Inter and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly 'reached a verbal agreement' over the transfer of Argentine defender Cristian Romero. According to ESPN Argentina via Calciomercato, Spurs have accepted the Serie A champions' €40 million bid for their captain.
Despite completing the signing of John Stones, who left Manchester City as a free agent at the end of last season, Inter are looking to add another center-back to Cristian Chivu's star-studded squad. Indeed, the Nerazzurri have parted ways with three defenders this summer and must reinforce their depleted backline.
Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij are now part of the club's history. On the bright side, Inter have tied Yann Bisseck down to a new long-term contract and are seemingly set to keep Alessandro Bastoni. Moreover, they've purchased Manuel Akanji after an impressive season-long loan.
However, they want to sign another top-class defender.
Romero has gone from strength to strength since leaving Serie A for Tottenham in 2021. Over the past five years, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the most dependable center-backs in Europe's top-five leagues, let alone the Premier League.
#cristian
Despite completing the signing of John Stones, who left Manchester City as a free agent at the end of last season, Inter are looking to add another center-back to Cristian Chivu's star-studded squad. Indeed, the Nerazzurri have parted ways with three defenders this summer and must reinforce their depleted backline.
Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij are now part of the club's history. On the bright side, Inter have tied Yann Bisseck down to a new long-term contract and are seemingly set to keep Alessandro Bastoni. Moreover, they've purchased Manuel Akanji after an impressive season-long loan.
However, they want to sign another top-class defender.
Romero has gone from strength to strength since leaving Serie A for Tottenham in 2021. Over the past five years, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the most dependable center-backs in Europe's top-five leagues, let alone the Premier League.
#cristian
19 days ago
As well as Yan Diomande and Rodri, Real Madrid have not yet ruled out the possible signing of another central defender. Ibrahima Konate has also been brought in as a free agent, but head coach Jose Mourinho wants to have another option at his disposal in time for the 2026-27 season starting in a few weeks' time.
Earlier in the summer, Nico Schlotterbeck had been Real Madrid's leading target, but after he picked up an ankle injury while on duty with Germany at the 2026 World Cup, club officials have pivoted to Alessandro Bastoni. Mourinho is also a big fan of the Inter Milan and Italy star, who could soon be set to make the move to the Bernabeu.
As per MD, Inter have agreed a deal to sign former Manchester City defender John Stones, and the expectation is this will open the door for Bastoni to move to Real Madrid later this summer, should an approach be made.
Real Madrid want to go for Bastoni, although they are clear that any new defender cannot be signed until someone leaves. Mourinho has already informed Raul Asencio that he is not in his plans for the new season, so he would be the prime candidate to leave, which would open the door for Bastoni to move to the Bernabeu.
Asencio has some interest in his services, but right now, there is no indication from the player himself that he wants to leave. Thus, Real Madrid may have a problem doing the necessary business to bring in Bastoni, which would be frustrating for Mourinho in his efforts to build the perfect squad ahead of the first season of his second spell as manager. For now, it simply remains to be seen how the situation plays out with both defenders.
#mourinho #bernabeu
Earlier in the summer, Nico Schlotterbeck had been Real Madrid's leading target, but after he picked up an ankle injury while on duty with Germany at the 2026 World Cup, club officials have pivoted to Alessandro Bastoni. Mourinho is also a big fan of the Inter Milan and Italy star, who could soon be set to make the move to the Bernabeu.
As per MD, Inter have agreed a deal to sign former Manchester City defender John Stones, and the expectation is this will open the door for Bastoni to move to Real Madrid later this summer, should an approach be made.
Real Madrid want to go for Bastoni, although they are clear that any new defender cannot be signed until someone leaves. Mourinho has already informed Raul Asencio that he is not in his plans for the new season, so he would be the prime candidate to leave, which would open the door for Bastoni to move to the Bernabeu.
Asencio has some interest in his services, but right now, there is no indication from the player himself that he wants to leave. Thus, Real Madrid may have a problem doing the necessary business to bring in Bastoni, which would be frustrating for Mourinho in his efforts to build the perfect squad ahead of the first season of his second spell as manager. For now, it simply remains to be seen how the situation plays out with both defenders.
#mourinho #bernabeu
23 days ago
Real Madrid have plans to sign a second central defender this summer to come in alongside Ibrahima Konate, who joined from Liverpool at the start of the month. Head coach Jose Mourinho wants another player to choose from when the 2026-27 season gets underway next month, and he’s set his sights on someone from one of his former clubs.
Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Real Madrid had set their sights on Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan and Italy defender is appreciated by Mourinho, who sees him as the ideal final piece for his defensive options. And according to the player’s agent (via Diario AS), there would be a desire to make a move happen in 2026, although there is also no obvious rush to leave the Nerazzurri.
“Bastoni has two years left on his contract with Inter, he loves these colours and right now he is not considering signing for another club. If in the future a club appeared that satisfied both Inter and the player, we could talk about it, but right now there is nothing concrete to suggest a real negotiation. I don’t think he has ever considered leaving Italy.”
David Alaba had been the only natural left-sided option for Real Madrid up until his exit earlier this summer, so it makes a lot of sense to secure an appropriate replacement. Bastoni would certainly be that, so it would be smart if the club’s sporting department were to make a serious effort to agree terms with Inter in the coming weeks.
It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid and Mourinho can get their man. For now, the club is happy to focus on exits, although there is sure to be more incoming activity sooner rather than later.
#Inter #mourinho #summer
Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Real Madrid had set their sights on Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan and Italy defender is appreciated by Mourinho, who sees him as the ideal final piece for his defensive options. And according to the player’s agent (via Diario AS), there would be a desire to make a move happen in 2026, although there is also no obvious rush to leave the Nerazzurri.
“Bastoni has two years left on his contract with Inter, he loves these colours and right now he is not considering signing for another club. If in the future a club appeared that satisfied both Inter and the player, we could talk about it, but right now there is nothing concrete to suggest a real negotiation. I don’t think he has ever considered leaving Italy.”
David Alaba had been the only natural left-sided option for Real Madrid up until his exit earlier this summer, so it makes a lot of sense to secure an appropriate replacement. Bastoni would certainly be that, so it would be smart if the club’s sporting department were to make a serious effort to agree terms with Inter in the coming weeks.
It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid and Mourinho can get their man. For now, the club is happy to focus on exits, although there is sure to be more incoming activity sooner rather than later.
#Inter #mourinho #summer
1 month ago
While Real Madrid are currently prioritising departure operations over arrivals, they continue to maintain contacts and negotiations with key targets.
The centre-back position is still seen as a department in need of reinforcements by Jose Mourinho, despite the arrival of Ibrahima Konate.
After all, the Portuguese manager does not seem to trust the current Real Madrid back-line and is looking to revamp the complete department with new arrivals. Alessandro Bastoni, on that front, has emerged as a top target.
Real Madrid and Mourinho rate the Inter Milan defender highly, and as reported by AS (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent update, the new manager sees Bastoni as the 'perfect' fit for his plans.
Bastoni is Real Madrid's priority signing. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The centre-back position is still seen as a department in need of reinforcements by Jose Mourinho, despite the arrival of Ibrahima Konate.
After all, the Portuguese manager does not seem to trust the current Real Madrid back-line and is looking to revamp the complete department with new arrivals. Alessandro Bastoni, on that front, has emerged as a top target.
Real Madrid and Mourinho rate the Inter Milan defender highly, and as reported by AS (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent update, the new manager sees Bastoni as the 'perfect' fit for his plans.
Bastoni is Real Madrid's priority signing. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
2 months ago
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is under investigation for child prostitution.
It is part of a larger inquiry by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office into an alleged escort ring after conversations were seized during an investigation into an events company that organised “all-inclusive” nights for VIP clients at football clubs.
In one of the intercepted conversations, as reported by Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, a PR representative for the agency wrote to Bastoni: “I think the underage girl wants to sleep with you. I think she wants to have some fun.” Bastoni allegedly replied: “Are there any places where we can hide there?”, to which the PR representative allegedly responded: “We’ll figure something out. At worst, you can take her home.”
Bastoni, 27, has been summoned to appear before prosecutors on Friday and is alleged to have paid for ****** with one of the girls, who was 17 at the time, in June 2020. The fact she was a minor at the time, means paid ****** would constitute child prostitution.
“My client is very shaken,” Bastoni’s lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, said. “I can rule out that he ever engaged in paid ****** ual relations, let alone with minors.”
It is part of a larger inquiry by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office into an alleged escort ring after conversations were seized during an investigation into an events company that organised “all-inclusive” nights for VIP clients at football clubs.
In one of the intercepted conversations, as reported by Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, a PR representative for the agency wrote to Bastoni: “I think the underage girl wants to sleep with you. I think she wants to have some fun.” Bastoni allegedly replied: “Are there any places where we can hide there?”, to which the PR representative allegedly responded: “We’ll figure something out. At worst, you can take her home.”
Bastoni, 27, has been summoned to appear before prosecutors on Friday and is alleged to have paid for ****** with one of the girls, who was 17 at the time, in June 2020. The fact she was a minor at the time, means paid ****** would constitute child prostitution.
“My client is very shaken,” Bastoni’s lawyer, Salvatore Scuto, said. “I can rule out that he ever engaged in paid ****** ual relations, let alone with minors.”
2 months ago
Real Madrid have been busy this summer, with four new signings having already been added to Jose Mourinho’s squad for the 2026-27 season. However, they won’t be done there, with plans for further players to arrive alongside Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva.
A new centre-back and midfielder are wanted, with Alessandro Bastoni and Enzo Fernandez respectively believed to be the leading candidates for these positions. However, president Florentino Perez is also dreaming of signing Michael Olise, whom he sees as the perfect player to complete the Real Madrid attack.
Until now, it has seemed very unlikely that Real Madrid would have any chances of signing Olise, with Bayern Munich having no plans to sell. However, a window of opportunity could open up according to Christian Falk, who has claimed that the French winger does not want to sign a new contract at the Bundesliga champions.
“The Michael Olise situation is getting a little bit dangerous for Bayern Munich. There are rumours around the Frenchman, where the people around him are allegedly saying that he knows he can always win the league with FC Bayern, but he’s already done this, and now he has the DFB Pokal also under his belt. The Champions League, meanwhile, is perhaps a little more difficult to win at Bayern Munich.
“There are rumours he’d like to make a transfer somewhere else, and that Real Madrid is the club he should be dreaming of. Olise doesn’t talk much, so you never know if the rumours are true. Still, the people who are talking are supposedly really close to him. This could be a problem for Bayern, because everyone knows that dissatisfied players are not good players. I don’t see the France international signing a new contract at Bayern in the near future.“
A new centre-back and midfielder are wanted, with Alessandro Bastoni and Enzo Fernandez respectively believed to be the leading candidates for these positions. However, president Florentino Perez is also dreaming of signing Michael Olise, whom he sees as the perfect player to complete the Real Madrid attack.
Until now, it has seemed very unlikely that Real Madrid would have any chances of signing Olise, with Bayern Munich having no plans to sell. However, a window of opportunity could open up according to Christian Falk, who has claimed that the French winger does not want to sign a new contract at the Bundesliga champions.
“The Michael Olise situation is getting a little bit dangerous for Bayern Munich. There are rumours around the Frenchman, where the people around him are allegedly saying that he knows he can always win the league with FC Bayern, but he’s already done this, and now he has the DFB Pokal also under his belt. The Champions League, meanwhile, is perhaps a little more difficult to win at Bayern Munich.
“There are rumours he’d like to make a transfer somewhere else, and that Real Madrid is the club he should be dreaming of. Olise doesn’t talk much, so you never know if the rumours are true. Still, the people who are talking are supposedly really close to him. This could be a problem for Bayern, because everyone knows that dissatisfied players are not good players. I don’t see the France international signing a new contract at Bayern in the near future.“
2 months ago
On this Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarrete discuss:
What is the most likely outcome for Julian Alvarez?
Explaining the Nico Paz situation
Can Nico play deeper?
Schlotterbeck of Bastoni?
What is the most likely outcome for Julian Alvarez?
Explaining the Nico Paz situation
Can Nico play deeper?
Schlotterbeck of Bastoni?
2 months ago
Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck suffered an injury in Germany’s 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire last week, which is expected to keep him sidelined for several months.
The setback could impact a potential summer transfer, with Marca reporting that the left-footed defender has dropped down the list of priorities for Real Madrid coach José Mourinho as a result.
According to the report, Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is now the preferred option.
However, a move to the Spanish capital is not completely ruled out for Schlotterbeck, as the German international would be available for a considerably lower fee than Bastoni, who is valued at around €70 million.
The 29-time Germany international has a €50 million release clause in his contract this summer, which applies to a select group of clubs, including Real Madrid.
The setback could impact a potential summer transfer, with Marca reporting that the left-footed defender has dropped down the list of priorities for Real Madrid coach José Mourinho as a result.
According to the report, Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is now the preferred option.
However, a move to the Spanish capital is not completely ruled out for Schlotterbeck, as the German international would be available for a considerably lower fee than Bastoni, who is valued at around €70 million.
The 29-time Germany international has a €50 million release clause in his contract this summer, which applies to a select group of clubs, including Real Madrid.
2 months ago
Real Madrid’s transfer window continues to move at breakneck speed, with a second centre-back on the agenda, following an agreement with Ibrahima Konate. Amid plenty of talk about Los Blancos pursuing the same targets as Barcelona, their next move could be another name that held talks with their rivals.
On Monday, Real Madrid made a move for former Barcelona left-back Marc Cucurella official, and on Wednesday, Bernardo Silva was also confirmed as a new signing. Including Konate and Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries, new manager Jose Mourinho already has four of the six signings that he requested. Remaining on his priority list is a defensive midfielder and a second centre-back.
Image via Europa Press
According to GdS (via Sport), Real Madrid have now opened talks for another Inter defender, Alessandro Bastoni. The left-side centre-back held talks with Barcelona in April, but negotiations stalled after manager Hansi Flick decided that he was not right fit for his backline. The Italian outlet explain that figures at the top level of both clubs held talks over the weekend regarding Bastoni.
The Italy international has two years left on his deal, and during conversations with Barcelona, it was rumoured a deal could be done for €60-80m. Nevertheless, they say that Mourinho is yet to make a final decision on whether Real Madrid should sign Bastoni.
On Monday, Real Madrid made a move for former Barcelona left-back Marc Cucurella official, and on Wednesday, Bernardo Silva was also confirmed as a new signing. Including Konate and Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries, new manager Jose Mourinho already has four of the six signings that he requested. Remaining on his priority list is a defensive midfielder and a second centre-back.
Image via Europa Press
According to GdS (via Sport), Real Madrid have now opened talks for another Inter defender, Alessandro Bastoni. The left-side centre-back held talks with Barcelona in April, but negotiations stalled after manager Hansi Flick decided that he was not right fit for his backline. The Italian outlet explain that figures at the top level of both clubs held talks over the weekend regarding Bastoni.
The Italy international has two years left on his deal, and during conversations with Barcelona, it was rumoured a deal could be done for €60-80m. Nevertheless, they say that Mourinho is yet to make a final decision on whether Real Madrid should sign Bastoni.
