According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Real Madrid’s incoming manager Jose Mourinho has instructed the club to recruit Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Arsenal player has gained Mourinho’s attention due to his flexibility, and he will now try to lure him away from the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal stars test their shooting at Puskás Aréna for the UCL final.
Calafiori has been a crucial player for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta since coming from Bologna in 2024.
The 24-year-old Italian has 65 appearances for Arsenal, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
Calafiori is predominantly a left-back, but he is also comfortable playing centre-back, which is one of the reasons Mourinho wants him.
However, given how vital the Italian is to Arsenal, reaching an agreement may be difficult.
The Gunners aim to bolster their defence, and Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown is a target.
Piero Hincapie also plays there, and they may be willing to sell Calafiori if they sign Brown or another player in the position.
An injury prevented him from starting in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta is preparing to bolster his squad for next season’s title defence and another run at the Champions League.
Madrid may sell several key players this summer, and Calafiori’s status will be closely monitored.