Serie A defender would choose Real Madrid if the decision were his – report

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to its climax with just one game to go, and the focus will quickly shift back to club activities, especially the transfer window.

Los Blancos have already wrapped up four summer signings: Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella.

It does look like new manager Jose Mourinho is keen on adding another player to the defensive unit, but that could depend on a major sale first.

According to journalist Miguel Serrano (h/t Defensa Central), Alessandro Bastoni is the centre-back Jose Mourinho wants next.

The Inter Milan defender is said to be open to the move, but Madrid are not currently prepared to advance the operation without creating space in the squad and on the wage bill.

Bastoni would welcome a Real Madrid move

The report claims Mourinho has already spoken with Bastoni, who would prefer a move to Real Madrid if an agreement can be reached.

Serrano particularly emphasised that the Italian defender would like to be a Los Blancos player by now if it were up to him.

Bastoni would love to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

However, the operation is currently described as frozen while the club work on possible departures.

Inter were initially believed to be open to negotiations at around €60 million to €70 million, although their position may have hardened.

Bastoni is under contract and the Italian club are under no obligation to sell, meaning Madrid would need both squad space and significant financial room to complete the deal.

Time could also become a factor. Bastoni does not want to wait indefinitely and could eventually consider interest from the Premier League if Madrid fail to make progress.

Asencio holds key

Raul Asencio is presented as the most obvious candidate to make way, with Dean Huijsen and summer signing Ibrahima Konate expected to remain.

Antonio Rudiger has also renewed, while Eder Militao continues his recovery after a difficult injury history.

However, selling Asencio may not be straightforward. He is under contract until 2031, has no intention of leaving and his salary could limit the number of potential destinations.

Real Madrid are still undecided over a new centre-back signing. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Madrid also have 24 of their 25 available first-team squad places occupied. That makes the club’s position understandable: adding another expensive defender without first creating space would complicate an already crowded squad.

Mourinho wants more defensive security

Bastoni would certainly offer Mourinho an elite option in defence, particularly as a left-footed centre-back comfortable building attacks from deep.

At 27, he would also arrive in the prime years of his career.

There is no doubt that he would raise the floor of Los Blancos’ backline, but a deal can only be done if the financial conditions are right.

Madrid’s first priority is undoubtedly focusing on sales that need to happen between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether they manage to do that before moving for the Inter Milan man in the coming weeks.