Inter has expressed its desire to sign Eduardo Camavinga for €35 million, and Pérez does not object… but with only one condition!

As Real Madrid continues to prepare for the upcoming season with a renewed sense of ambition and determination, attention is not only focused on bringing new talents into the squad. Recent developments have shifted the spotlight to the potential departure of one of the club’s brightest young stars—Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder, despite a somewhat injury-hit campaign, remains a hot commodity on the European market.

Italian giants Inter Milan have emerged as serious suitors for Camavinga’s signature, submitting an initial offer of €35 million to Real Madrid. The bid, while bold, raised eyebrows across Spain—not just for the amount, but for the fact that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez did not immediately reject it outright.

Instead, Pérez laid down one key condition: the inclusion of Alessandro Bastoni in the deal.

According to reports from Defensa Central, Pérez is open to negotiating Camavinga’s transfer, but only if Inter is willing to let go of their prized central defender, Bastoni. It’s a calculated demand that shifts the equation entirely. Rather than just a financial transaction, Madrid is positioning this potential exit as a player-for-player exchange—value for value.

Bastoni is regarded as one of the top defensive talents in Europe and a cornerstone of Inter’s backline. The 25-year-old Italian has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, particularly after several commanding performances in the Champions League. At the Bernabéu, he is seen as an ideal candidate to strengthen a defense that may soon undergo generational change.

Camavinga, despite his setbacks this season, is still seen as a key long-term asset by many within the club. He arrived at Madrid in 2021 from Rennes as an 18-year-old with tremendous promise. Since then, he has shown flashes of brilliance, often stepping up in crucial matches and demonstrating his ability to play both as a midfielder and a left-back.

However, recurring injuries have disrupted his rhythm. He was sidelined for extended periods during the season due to muscle issues and, most recently, a torn left adductor tendon suffered in a match against Getafe, which ended his campaign prematurely. With an expected recovery period of up to three months, there are lingering concerns about his durability in the long term.

Despite these concerns, Real Madrid continues to value Camavinga highly. His contract runs until June 2029, and it includes a jaw-dropping €1 billion release clause—a clear signal of how much faith the club has in his potential. This clause also makes any ordinary financial offer essentially irrelevant unless a highly strategic or technical player is involved.

Florentino Pérez’s condition to bring in Bastoni reflects the seriousness with which Madrid approaches squad evolution. He is not interested in losing a talented young player unless the incoming reinforcement brings immediate value and future stability. Bastoni, who has also been linked with Barcelona in recent years, is considered a dream acquisition to bolster Madrid’s backline and add depth alongside the likes of Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba.

Inter Milan, however, faces a dilemma. While their interest in Camavinga is genuine, they are well aware that €35 million will not suffice. They also understand that letting go of Bastoni could destabilize their defensive unit unless they are adequately compensated or see Camavinga as a transformational figure in their midfield.

Incoming Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly not in favor of losing Camavinga, particularly not for a purely financial deal. Alonso is believed to admire Camavinga’s versatility and tenacity—qualities that align with the style of play he plans to implement at Madrid. Any potential transfer, therefore, would need to make tactical sense for him as well.

The timing of these discussions also adds intrigue. With Madrid reportedly finalizing deals for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras, squad planning for next season is in full motion. Camavinga’s departure could open up space for new signings, but it must not weaken the squad’s core—especially with multiple competitions on the horizon.

From a fan perspective, there’s growing anxiety. Camavinga is a fan favorite. His passion, work rate, and youthful energy resonate strongly with the Santiago Bernabéu faithful. Letting him go—particularly at a time when Madrid is building for the future—would be a controversial move unless the incoming player commands equal respect and offers similar or greater tactical benefit.

The swap proposal for Bastoni offers Madrid exactly that: a strong, reliable, and modern center-back capable of slotting into their high line and helping the club transition into a post-Nacho, post-Alaba era. But whether Inter will entertain that trade remains uncertain.

What’s clear is that this saga is far from over. Discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks, and more twists could emerge depending on how Madrid’s preseason shapes up and whether Camavinga recovers faster than expected. Inter may also return with a revised offer or propose alternative players to sweeten the deal.

At the heart of it all, Florentino Pérez’s strategic thinking is once again on full display. As always, he remains committed to ensuring that Real Madrid is not just maintaining its elite status—but also building for a dominant future.

Will Camavinga remain a Madridista and rise again under Xabi Alonso’s guidance? Or will he swap the white of Madrid for the black and blue of Milan in a deal that could redefine the summer window?

For now, all eyes remain on Pérez and the negotiation table.