Inter Milan value Bastoni at a minimum of €70 million. That figure is considered more manageable for Real Madrid than for Barcelona, who had previously been identified as the frontrunner but are facing doubts of their own. Coach Hansi Flick is understood to have developed reservations about Bastoni's profile, with the Catalan club now exploring alternative targets.
Real Madrid face an extensive rebuild at the back this summer. David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger are all departing as free agents at the end of June, leaving the club without three senior central defenders. Bastoni's ability to play out from the back at the highest level makes him an ideal profile for Mourinho's plans, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Bastoni, 27, has been one of Inter's most consistent performers this season, contributing to a domestic double that saw Cristian Chivu's side win the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. He has made 298 appearances for the club in total, scoring eight goals and providing 30 assists across all competitions. His contract runs until the summer of 2028.
Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio has insisted the club have no intention of selling: "Bastoni has a contract with Inter and there are no situations making us believe he will leave," Ausilio said at an event in Coverciano this week. "If someone is interested, they should call us."
Bastoni himself has reportedly been closer to staying at Inter than departing during recent months, having gone through a difficult patch in the first half of the season. His performances improved significantly from April onwards, and he was part of the squad that won the Coppa Italia final against Lazio in Rome on 13 May.
Whether Mourinho's interest translates into a formal offer will depend on Madrid's summer finances and Bastoni's own willingness to move.