Real Madrid went into this summer with a number of major plans in mind when it comes to rebuilding the squad off the back of back-to-back trophyless seasons, and one of those plans was a complete overhaul of the defense. With the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and the expected arrival of Denzel Dumfries, Los Blancos will be heading into the season with a completely new look defense. However, Real aren't done yet as they have just started their latest 'operation' to bring in one of Europe's top central defenders.
As being reported by MadridXtra on X, Real Madrid has started 'Operation Bastoni' as they are ready to go all in for the Inter Milan defender. Jose Mourinho reportedly views the Italian as the perfect center-back and has told the club to do whatever it takes to get his signing over the line this summer. Bastoni is valued at around €60 million, a fee that is well in the ballpark for Los Blancos to easily pay.
Real Madrid ready to go all in for Bastoni
Los Blancos have been linked with a number of central defenders this summer, already landing Ibrahima Konate who is departing Liverpool as a free agent, and following Nico Schlotterbeck's injury at the World Cup, it seems Real Madrid have now turned their full attention to Alessandro Bastoni, another defender they have been linked with for quite some time.
Bastoni's signing comes directly from new manager Jose Mourinho as he views the 27-year-old as the perfect center-back for his system and for what he brings to the team. The Italian is an experienced winner, winning two Serie A and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan as well as being a driving force behind the Italian side reaching two Champions League Finals in 2023 and 2025. Bastoni bring height to the backline, is quick, good on the ball, physical, and can slot into the team right away, with Jose Mourinho wanting to get off to a hot start with Real Madrid this season.
With all the new arrivals under Mourinho, the backline will be completely different from what we saw on matchday one under Xabi Alonso last season both in name and in they style each player brings to the team. A backline of Cucurella, Konate, Bastoni, and Dumfries puts much more emphasis on defending, a trademark of Mourinho, and a much needed change, with the backline leaking in goals for fun the past few seasons.
As mentioned earlier Real are looking at a fee of around €60 million which isn't too bad in today's inflated market for one of the top defenders in Europe. From Real Madrid's perspective the tougher part will be off loading one of the surplus defenders, with Raul Asencio being the most likely candidate to be shown the door to facilitate Bastoni's arrival this summer.
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