Arsenal could face an approach from Real Madrid for Riccardo Calafiori next summer, with José Mourinho reportedly making the Italian defender one of his top priorities.
The 24-year-old has become an important part of Mikel Arteta’s side, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed in Spain.
Madrid are now said to be making enquiries ahead of a possible move in 2027. There’s one rather obvious problem, though. Arsenal have no intention of selling him.
Mourinho wants Calafiori at Real Madrid
According to Spanish outlet Bernabéu Digital, Mourinho has identified Calafiori as his preferred defensive reinforcement for next summer.
The Portuguese manager apparently sees the Arsenal man as an ideal fit for his plans. His versatility is a big part of the attraction.
Calafiori can defend centrally, operate on the left and move forward to help build attacks. That gives Mourinho several options with one player, something the report suggests he values highly.
Real Madrid’s interest has supposedly gone beyond watching his performances. The Spanish club have already made enquiries about his situation, and the defender’s entourage are aware of their interest.
That doesn’t mean negotiations have started. There’s no mention of an offer, either. For now, Madrid appear to be exploring whether a deal might be possible. And the answer from London isn’t encouraging.
Arsenal have little reason to entertain an exit
Bernabéu Digital say Arsenal’s position is clear: Calafiori isn’t for sale.
His contract runs until June 2029, leaving the Gunners in a comfortable position. There’s no immediate contractual pressure to negotiate, and the defender’s importance to Arteta makes the prospect of a departure even less appealing.
The timing of these claims is interesting, too. Calafiori recently spoke about how a conversation with Arteta changed his role at Arsenal. Initially, he wasn’t enjoying the same attacking freedom Thiago Motta had given him at Bologna.
He explained that Arteta eventually encouraged him to follow his instinct and attack spaces, provided he picked the right moments. That freedom has helped make him such an unusual defensive option. This season, he’s already contributed one goal and two assists in six Arsenal appearances.
There’s a certain irony in Mourinho reportedly admiring the attacking freedom Calafiori enjoys under another manager. That freedom is now one of the qualities making him attractive to Madrid.
Now the Spaniards may fancy their chances of tempting the Italian away next summer, but there’s currently nothing to suggest the Gunners are prepared to cooperate.
If Mourinho really wants Calafiori, he’ll have to do considerably more than put him at the top of a wishlist.
