Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive target’s agent shuts down exit talks: ‘Not thinking of moving’
Despite signing no less than three defenders this summer, Real Madrid have no immediate plans to stop operating in the market.
The club are looking for a Galactico signing, with Michael Olise emerging as the top target. But coach Jose Mourinho has also asked for a new centre-back.
That is where Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as an option for Los Blancos, with the Inter Milan star widely linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Bastoni wants to remain at Inter
However, in a recent interaction, Bastoni’s agent has denied all the speculation linking him with an Inter Milan exit this summer.
Tullio Tinti, who represents the defender, was unequivocal in his assessment, insisting his client is fully committed to the Serie A giants and has no desire to move on.
“My players and I generally respect our contracts. Bastoni still has two years left; he’s in love with Inter,” Tinti told Sky Sport Italia (h/t beIN Sports).
The agent went on to acknowledge the interest but stressed that nothing concrete is on the table, while also dismissing the notion that Bastoni is even contemplating a move abroad.
“He’s not thinking of moving to another club. If two clubs are interested, one might start talking. But all this talk isn’t enough for a serious negotiation right now. Has he considered leaving Italy? I don’t think so,” he added.
A blow to Mourinho’s plans
The comments come as a massive blow for Real Madrid, who viewed Bastoni as an ideal option to bolster their backline.
The left-footed centre-back is precisely the profile Mourinho covets, and his pedigree is beyond question.
Since joining from Atalanta in 2019, Bastoni has won three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italias and three Supercoppa Italianas, while also reaching two Champions League finals.
Real Madrid also face competition from Al-Hilal, who would offer Bastoni a reunion with former boss Simone Inzaghi.
With the player seemingly content to stay put, though, Real Madrid may now have to turn their attention elsewhere as they search for defensive reinforcements this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
