Real Madrid could use one-of-a-kind 'swap' deal to sign Jose Mourinho's top target

Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to land his top transfer target this summer, with Real Madrid keen to use an unusual tactic to secure the player's signature.

Following Álvaro Arbeloa's departure from the head coach role earlier this month, Mourinho, who previously managed Real between 2010 and 2013, was announced as the Spaniard's successor.

Since then, Real have been linked with several top-class players, with Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries, Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva all arriving at the club.

But Real's pursuit of world-class talent is not stopping any time soon, with reports suggesting Mourinho is keen to add another defender, midfielder and striker to his ranks during the summer transfer window.

According to Defensa Central, Inter and Italy centre-back Alessandro Bastoni is Mourinho's priority transfer target, but a deal may only happen if Nico Paz is allowed to sign for the Italians in a rather unusual type of swap deal.

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Both players are valued at between €60 million (£51 million) and €70 million (£60 million) by their respective clubs – Inter and Como.

Argentinian midfielder Paz came through the ranks at Real Madrid before making four first-team appearances for the side during the 2023/24 campaign ahead of his move to Como last term.

Real still hold the option to trigger Paz's buy-back clause for just €9 million (£8 million), a significant reduction on his perceived value, but this may prevent the signing of Bastoni.

Reports claim Inter will only open negotiations over Bastoni's move to Real if they are allowed to sign Paz from Como, meaning the La Liga giants do not exercise their cheap buy-back option in a one-of-a-kind indirect swap deal.

Paz has reportedly already informed Real that he would prefer to remain in northern Italy for at least another season after helping the side qualify for the Champions League last season.

As per Spanish outlet AS: "Paz has decided to spend another season at Como, handing Cesc Fàbregas a major boost ahead of the club's return to the UEFA Champions League.

"The midfielder has already informed Real Madrid executives that he intends to reverse his earlier decision to come back to Spain. Instead, he has asked to remain in Italy for another year."

Paz is contracted to Como until 2028.

A final decision is expected to be made after the 2026 World Cup. Mourinho is also keen on recruiting Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck as well as Benfica's Tomás Araújo, having previously worked with the latter at the Portuguese club.