Real Madrid News
Serie A giants demanding €75 million for Real Madrid priority target – report
Real Madrid have started the summer with a bang, already securing as many as four new signings in the form of Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries.
Three of the new arrivals have come in the defensive department, but incoming manager Jose Mourinho is still not satisfied.
Indeed, the Portuguese tactician wishes to add one more centre-half this summer and everything indicates that Inter Milan ace Alessandro Bastoni is his preferred option.
Mourinho wishes to sign a left-footed centre-back who is comfortable with the ball, making the Italian international the ideal fit.
Inter Milan want €75 million for Bastoni
However, according to journalist Miguel Serrano, Inter Milan have set a massive asking price of €75 million for Bastoni.
This information contradicts previous reports which suggested that the 27-year-old defender could be available for Real Madrid for a price of only €60 million.
This changes the picture for the Spanish capital club, although they believe that the Nerazzurri will be open to negotiations and can be convinced to bring the transfer fee down to the €60 million figure.
Bastoni to become the most expensive signing in club history?
Even then, it will make Bastoni the most expensive defensive acquisition in Real Madrid history, beating the €58 million that they spent to sign Dean Huijsen last summer.
Los Blancos have already spent heavily on Cucurella, signing him from Chelsea for a fee of €55 million, which could reach €60 million with add-ons.
So, it will be interesting to see whether Florentino Perez & co. are willing to smash that figure to sign Bastoni as well in the same window.
What is clear is that Mourinho remains intent on signing another defender before the transfer window closes, with the Inter Milan mainstay being his preferred target.
Other options have been considered, with players like Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico Schlotterbeck all being ruled out due to various factors.
Official negotiations are yet to begin between the clubs. However, before making a move for Bastoni, Real Madrid are aware that they will need to make some sales and clear up room in the squad for more new arrivals.
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.
