Arsenal may be Premier League champions and one of the best teams in Europe, but they are now facing a battle to keep hold of one key star, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners secured their first title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final this season, and Mikel Arteta is keen to keep his squad together and strengthen in order to repeat their successes for years to come.
But the club have now been contacted by European giants Real Madrid about a deal to sign one star who has become an integral part of the success at the Emirates Stadium in recent years.
calafiori
According to Romano, Real Madrid have made contact with those close to Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori about a transfer this summer.
The Italian, who Mikel Arteta has described as 'unpredictable', has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Gunners as a regular at left-back, making 36 appearances and registering one goal and three assists. But his ability to play at centre-back, and also push into midfield in possession has attracted the interest of one of the world's biggest clubs. Now, they have begun to make their move.
“Real Madrid are not done for defenders because the situation is linked to the centre-back and left-back position," he said.
"Basically, Real Madrid at left-back have Alvaro Carreras and then Ferland Mendy, who is injured now and had many injuries over the recent years.
“The idea of Real Madrid is if there is an opportunity of a player who can help as a centre-back and as a left-back, and Riccardo Calafiori, for example, is that kind of profile, for Real Madrid could be an interesting option to follow on the market.
“For Calafiori, what I can reveal to you is that there’s been contact with those close to Calafiori a few weeks ago, with Real Madrid asking about information on the Italian defender.
“He’s still a very important player for Arsenal. So, he’s not an easy one at all. And for Arsenal, Calafiori is really an important part of the project. So, let’s see what’s happening there. But Real Madrid are looking for that kind of player.”
Arsenal Selling Calafiori May Not Be Awful
Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori celebrates scoring their first goal
Premier League - Manchester United v Arsenal - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 17, 2025 Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Peter Powell
The Gunners have built one of the best squads in Europe, and that's aided by them having a number of options in the squad who are more than good enough to be starters at the top level.
Calafiori has been a regular at left-back, but Arteta has also got Piero Hincapie who can play at left-back and centre-back, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is also a proven talent in that role, who can also fill in in midfield, as shown during the Champions League final.
Calafiori has got an abundance of quality, but he has also suffered with a number of injury problems since moving to England. If Real Madrid are willing to pay a big fee to get a deal done, it could be smart for Arsenal to cash in at his peak while their squad is already strong, and use the cash to strengthen other areas.
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