Real Madrid have made contact about Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian defender has established himself as one of the most unique and versatile players in Mikel Arteta’s squad since joining from Bologna in 2024.
Capable of operating as a left-back or centre-back, his technical qualities and his tendency to influence attacks high up the pitch make him an exceptionally rare profile.
And it is one that is attracting attention from Jose Mourinho, the new Real Madrid manager.
Mourinho had actually allowed Roma to sell Calafiori to Basel for just £1.5million when he was boss in 2022.
Should Arsenal considering SELLING Riccardo Calafiori already due to his injuries?
Two years later, Arsenal paid £42million for him, and Mourinho is apparently now keen to rectify that mistake.
However, Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that a deal would be far from straightforward.
Fabrizio Romano on why Arsenal are unlikely to sell Riccardo Calafiori
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Real Madrid have “evaluated” Calafiori as they search for a defender who can play both centrally and at left-back.
However, given his importance to Arteta’s side, a deal will not be easy.
“About Calafiori, I’d say that he’s an important player for Arsenal, so I don’t think it’ll be easy for anyone to think about bringing Calafiori in,” Romano said.
“Real Madrid are looking, in addition to Dumfries, who was done yesterday, in addition to Konate, who will sign soon, they’re looking for an additional defender who can play both as a central defender and, potentially, as a central defender and at left back.
“Riccardo Calafiori is a profile that clearly becomes an ideal one, given these indications… I repeat, Arsenal have very high demands to make. But Real Madrid want to sign an additional defender, and Calafiori could become an idea.
“Let’s see, from the economic point of view, there have been some contacts, it’s not a very easy path today, in Madrid they’re losing several players. The dream is probably [Josko] Gvardiola of Manchester City, but that is probably even more difficult.”
Arsenal will not want to lose Riccardo Calafiori — but he may have a price
Arteta will not want to lose Calafiori. His profile is extraordinarily difficult to replace — a left-footed defender, still only 24, with the technical quality, vision and athleticism to function as an extra attacker further up the pitch.
Players like him simply do not appear on the market very often.
That said, his injury record has been a frustration. If Real Madrid were to come in with an extraordinary offer, Arsenal may have a figure in mind.
The Italian’s contract runs until 2029, so it would not be cheap, and the club would immediately need to find a quality replacement.
Arsenal have been tracking Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown as a potential left-back addition this summer, who is a similarly attack-minded profile.
For far too long, Arsenal have their opportunity on selling their players at the right time for good value.
This isn’t to suggest the Gunners should definitely sell Calafiori, but they should keep an open mind and negotiate a really high price.
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