The ultimate transfer domino! How €60m Nico Paz could unlock Jose Mourinho’s dream move for Inter star Alessandro Bastoni

Real Madrid are exploring an ambitious transfer strategy that could see Nico Paz become the key to landing one of Jose Mourinho’s top defensive targets this summer.

The Argentine midfielder’s impressive breakthrough campaign in Serie A has significantly increased his market value, with Los Blancos now considering a move that could ultimately help them prise Alessandro Bastoni away from Inter.

Real Madrid plotting ambitious Nico Paz plan

According to AS, Real Madrid are prepared to activate the €9 million buy-back clause included in Paz’s transfer to Como.

Rather than reintegrating the 21-year-old into Mourinho’s first-team plans, however, the Spanish giants are reportedly considering immediately selling him for around €60 million.

Como would have the option to retain the midfielder permanently, although that valuation is expected to prove difficult even for the ambitious Serie A club.

Inter have now emerged as serious admirers of Paz, opening the door to a potential three-club negotiation that could reshape Madrid’s summer business.

Bastoni becomes Mourinho’s priority

Strengthening central defence has become one of Mourinho’s biggest priorities ahead of the new campaign.

Alternative targets have proven difficult to secure. Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is no longer considered a realistic option following his serious injury, while Manchester City’s Ruben Dias remains effectively unattainable.

That has elevated Bastoni to the top of Madrid’s shortlist.

The Italy international has long been regarded as one of Serie A’s elite defenders, and the report claims Inter would consider offers in the region of €70 million despite previous interest from Barcelona ending because of the asking price.

Should Inter intensify their pursuit of Paz, Madrid hope negotiations over the midfielder could create an opportunity to reduce the overall cost of signing Bastoni.

The Spanish giants reportedly view the 26-year-old as the ideal long-term partner for Ibrahima Konate at the heart of Mourinho’s defence.

FIFA regulations could complicate the plan

Despite the appeal of the proposed strategy, Real Madrid must also navigate FIFA’s regulations regarding so-called “bridge transfers.”

Article 5bis of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players prohibits clubs from using consecutive transfers to artificially facilitate deals.

If a player completes two transfers within a 16-week period, the arrangement is presumed to be a bridge transfer unless sufficient evidence proves otherwise.

That means Madrid could face significant regulatory scrutiny if they were to trigger Paz’s buy-back clause before immediately selling him again this summer.

To avoid potential sanctions, the club may instead need to explore alternative structures, including a loan with an obligation to buy or delaying any permanent transfer until the winter transfer window.

Any such delay could complicate Mourinho’s plans as he looks to complete his defensive rebuild before the new season begins.