‘Asking for information’ – Real Madrid reach out about surprise move for Arsenal star as Jose Mourinho sets his conditions
Real Madrid’s summer transfer plans could be something special, with news that they’ve reached out to the team around an Arsenal star for a surprising move.
After a tough season without winning any trophies in 2025/26, Los Blancos are determined to do better next year. Jose Mourinho is set to come back as manager with a contract running until 2029, if Florentino Perez wins the club’s presidential election. They’ve already signed Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.
But they’re not stopping there. According to Fabrizio Romano, Real has contacted the agents of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian helped Arsenal win their first Premier League title in 22 years, playing 36 games in all competitions.
Real Madrid wants to see if they can sign the 24-year-old because he can play both center-back and left-back. Romano said, “There was contact with Calafiori’s team a few weeks ago, with Real Madrid asking for information. He’s a key player for Arsenal, so it won’t be easy. But Real is looking for a player like him.”
Calafiori fits what they want, and they’re also interested in Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol for similar reasons.
Journalist Sergio Valentin says signing Calafiori would complete a trio of key players Mourinho wants after easily securing Konate and Dumfries. Ramon Alvarez from Radio Marca adds that Mourinho has asked the club to work hard on getting Calafiori, who sometimes plays second fiddle to Piero Hincapie at Arsenal.
Mourinho is also interested in fellow countrymen Bernardo Silva and Mateus Fernandes for central midfield.
In his second time at Real, Mourinho is more involved in transfers and knows exactly who he wants to strengthen the team. He’s also made it clear which players won’t be part of his plans. Alvarez says Mourinho told the board that Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo Goes, Franco Mastantuono, Fran Garcia, Raul Asencio, and Dani Ceballos won’t be needed.
On the other hand, he considers Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde “untouchable” because they’re so important to the team.