Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.
The 25-year-old has been in strong form for Inter during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring once and providing five assists in 28 appearances in all competitions, and he is regarded as one of the best central defenders in European football.
Bastoni has a contract at San Siro until June 2028, having penned an extension in July 2023, but Real Madrid are believed to be confident that they would be able to bring him to Bernabeu.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid, who are long-term admirers of the Italian, are preparing to reignite their interest during this summer's transfer window, as a new centre-back is viewed as a priority for the club.
The report claims that Inter's financial problems will mean that they have to listen to substantial offers for key players, including Bastoni, who has a valuation of €75m (£63m), according to transfermarkt.
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Real Madrid 'interested in Inter's Bastoni'
Bastoni came through the youth system at Atalanta before progressing to first-team level in 2016, but he made the move to Inter in 2017 and has now featured on 229 occasions in all competitions for the Milan giants.
The defender is also a 33-time Italy international, while he has vast European experience, making 39 appearances in the Champions League during his time in the Inter first team.
Real Madrid have decided against signing a new centre-back in January, as David Alaba is now back to fitness, with the Austria international recovering from the serious knee injury that kept him out for more than a year.
Eder Militao is out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury, meaning that Aurelien Tchouameni has been required to play in the middle of defence again this term, and the Frenchman has unconvinced in that position.
Antonio Rudiger will stay this summer despite suggestions of interest from Saudi Arabia, while Raul Asencio has become a first-team player in recent months due to the issues in the middle of the defence.
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Which other positions will Real Madrid target this summer?
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold remains Real Madrid's leading target at right-back, with the England international, as it stands, set to be available on a free transfer at the end of June.
Despite Liverpool's attempts to keep him, it is thought that Alexander-Arnold will arrive at Bernabeu this summer to battle Dani Carvajal for the right-back spot during the 2025-26 campaign.
Luka Modric is out of contract this summer and expected to leave, while there is uncertainty surrounding Tchouameni's future, so it is likely that Real Madrid will also target a central midfielder this summer.
A new left-back will also be required if either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy leave, so it is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for the reigning European and Spanish champions.