Real Madrid were willing to offer €30-40 million for Serie A winning-defender

Real Madrid’s most pressing need this summer is fortifying their defensive department.

If last season’s injury crisis and mounting casualties were not enough evidence, the departures of Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin certainly highlight the urgent need for defensive signings.

The Merengues were keen to acquire Leny Yoro but opted to bow out of the race after Manchester United trumped theiroffer.

Real Madrid were eyeing Italian juggernaut

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, another centre-back appeared to have caught the eye of Real Madrid: Alessandro Bastoni.

Amid their search for center-backs, Real Madrid inquired about Alessandro Bastoni after last season. Willing to offer between €30 and €40 million, Los Blancos found their bid far below Inter’s valuation, as the Italian champions refused to sell for less than €80 million.

Following a title-winning campaign with Inter, Bastoni started all of Italy’s games in the UEFA Euro 2024. Owing to his recent strides, he has garnered tremendous interest from European heavyweights.

In fact, recently, Tulio Tinti, the 25-year-old’s agent affirmed Real Madrid’s interest, claiming:

“Many clubs have asked me about him (Bastoni). Manchester City were very interested in him for years and more recently Real Madrid. But Inter want to win and will not sell their champions.”

Bastoni has a contract with the reigning Serie A champions until June 30, 2028, following his renewal last summer. As such, signing him for a low fee appears improbable at the moment.

Vallejo’s time to shine?

Despite Real Madrid’s limited options at centre-back, a new signing appears unlikely. Carlo Ancelotti recently declared that the squad is finalized for the summer.

In light of this, Jesus Vallejo’s position in the squad seems far more secure. He could operate as a fourth-choice back-up and rotate in less important games.

After returning from a loan spell at Granada, the Spaniard is expected to remain with Real Madrid rather than being loaned out again.