Real Madrid have taken the first step in their pursuit of Arsenal‘s Riccardo Calafiori.
Los Blancos will appoint José Mourinho as their new manager, after president Florentino Pérez won the reelection.
The incoming manager is keen on improving the left-back position and has the Arsenal man on his list.
Earlier today, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that both the 24-year-old and Joško Gvardiol are Mourinho’s favourite targets.
There’s belief a deal for the Italy international is more feasible than taking Gvardiol away from Manchester City.
Real Madrid contact Arsenal
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio picks up on that and covers the latest on the La Liga side’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori.
With the Spanish club keen on the defender, Di Marzio claims they made contact with the Gunners via phone.
Real Madrid expressed their interest in the former Bologna man. The call with the Premier League winners was to register the interest, without making any further progress.
Los Blancos are looking to find out whether the north London club are willing to sell. They also want to know whether there’s any possibility of starting negotiations for the Italian, which Di Marzio claims will be managed personally by Calafiori’s agent Alessandro Lucci.
In July 2024, the player joined the English club from Bologna, after spending a year with the Italian club. At that time, he had opportunities to join other Serie A sides, but Lucci made sure he ended up at the Emirates.
The representative would have to play another big role if his client were to end up in Spain this summer.
The fullback previously played under José Mourinho when the pair were at AS Roma. He only played nine matches, and the journalist states the two had mutual respect.
Di Marzio ends the report by stating: ‘After Florentino Perez’s victory in the election and Mourinho’s arrival as manager, Calafiori’s future could lie at the Bernabeu.’
Arsenal have decision to make
Riccardo Calafiori played 2,261 minutes from 36 matches this season and has a key role under Mikel Arteta.
The journalist makes no mention of whether the Gunners are open to letting the Italian leave.
If his agent and Real Madrid were to push for a move, Arsenal have to decide whether to keep or sell the player. His contract lasts until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €55m.