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2026-07-27 14:19 UTC → 2026-07-31 23:05 UTC ·
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Real Madrid’s early‑June interest in Inter Milan reaffirmed a €70 million valuation for centre‑back Alessandro Bastoni sparked a transfer rumour wave that quickly intersected with a criminal investigation. Milan prosecutors opened a probe on 1 July 2026 over a 2020 encounter with a 17‑year‑old girl linked to an escort‑network case; Bastoni was summoned on 3 July, denied any payment for sexual services and exercised his right not to attend further questioning. Inter publicly reiterated private support for the defender on 2 July, noting the guarantee notice arrived while he was on holiday in Puglia. The club stressed the investigation does not affect its plans, that no decision on his future has been taken, and that he is not for sale unless an overwhelmingly compelling offer materialises. Contract talks for an extension are expected; Bastoni remains under contract until 2028 and has publicly favoured staying in Europe, rejecting prior Saudi overtures. On 20 July, Saudi Pro League champions Al‑Hilal – now managed by former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi – renewed interest, monitoring the player and indicating a need to free a foreign‑player slot before any concrete bid. No formal offer has been submitted. Inter’s sporting director emphasised Bastoni’s importance, denied active negotiations and confirmed interest from other European giants such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Inter coach Cristian Chivu affirmed the defender is not for sale, while the club’s policy remains to sell an overseas player first should a truly compelling offer arise. The criminal investigation remains ongoing. On 25 July, Inter set a €70 million price tag for Bastoni, stating they will only negotiate if a suitor meets that valuation and that the price will not be reduced, mirroring the same demand made figure set when Barcelona showed interest. Real Madrid are remain the only reported suitor willing to be pursuing meet the demand. Simultaneously, the club outlined a broader transfer agenda: targeting Brazilian right‑back Wesley, pursuing Argentine defender Cristian Romero on a possible loan‑with‑option, and would need considering internal options such as Andy Diouf for the right flank, while recent defensive signings include Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries. The criminal investigation into an alleged Milan escort network continued to meet involve Inter. On 31 July prosecutors heard midfielders Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco as witnesses; they are not under investigation, while the figure. probe still focuses on Bastoni for alleged minor‑prostitution offences linked to the same case. Earlier interrogations also involved other squad members in an informative capacity. The investigation remains in its preliminary phase, with further steps expected after the summer break.