The Inter Milan centre-back has landed on Jose Mourinho's wishlist for his second spell in charge of Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, well versed in the demands of both Inter and Serie A, is a known admirer of Bastoni, who finished the season as Italian champion under Cristian Chivu.
Bastoni's excellent form had already placed him on Barcelona's radar a few months ago, but Inter were clear with the Catalans from the outset — anything below €70m would not be negotiated. Barcelona were never in a position to meet that figure, and no formal offer was ever submitted.
Inter, for their part, are in no hurry and have no intention of selling one of the best left-sided centre-backs in world football. Bastoni is contracted to the club until June 2028 and earns around €5.5m a year.
The picture could look different if Real Madrid were genuinely willing to meet Inter's valuation, something Barcelona never came close to doing. That would open the door to serious negotiations.
The two clubs are already in contact over a separate deal, with Real Madrid working to sign Denzel Dumfries by triggering his €20m release clause, exercisable during July. The recent Corazon Classic Match, a charity fixture between the two clubs' legends at the Santiago Bernabeu, also provided an opportunity for presidents Florentino Perez and Beppe Marotta to meet informally.
It is plausible that the ground has already been tested for a Bastoni deal. The defender's season, despite delivering two trophies, was not without difficulty, having weathered controversy following Pierre Kalulu's red card in the match against Juventus and the reaction it drew. Even so, Inter's hierarchy defended Bastoni fiercely throughout, strengthening his bond with the club.
Just as Inter would be unlikely to refuse serious talks, Bastoni himself would find it difficult to say no should Mourinho convince Real Madrid's board to pursue him. He retains genuine ambition to continue building something with Chivu, who is close to extending his own contract until 2028, but the pull of joining one of the world's leading clubs could ultimately prove stronger.
Football is built on opportunities, and some have to be seized when they arise. For now, though, Inter have sent a clear first message: there will be no discount.