Real Madrid are “set to talk with Arsenal soon” about a potential deal for Riccardo Calafiori, according to Nicola Schira.
The Italian was one of the first to report on the Spanish club’s interest in the Italian international (which has subsequently been verified by Fabrizio Romano).
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Posting on his X account, Schira said that after holding talks with Calafiori’s representative, Real could now make direct contact with the Gunners:
“As revealed last week Riccardo Calafiori is in RealMadrid’s short list as possible Alaba’s replacement. There was a meeting between Real and Calafiori’s agent (A.Lucci) to explore this possibility. Jose Mourinho appreciates him a lot and Real are set to talk with Arsenal soon.”
Mourinho is the driving force behind Real’s pursuit
As Schira mentions, new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho worked with Calafiori during his time in Italy.
The Portuguese coach was appointed Roma boss in the summer of 2021, but he only gave Calafiori five starts before he loaned him out to Genoa.
The left-back was then sold to Basel at the end of Mourinho’s first year in charge of the Giallorossi. Even so, it appears he has kept close tabs on his development and would like to work with him again.
Should Arsenal consider selling Calafiori?
On the face of it, offloading a regular starter would seem like the wrong thing to do, but there would be good reasons for sanctioning the deal.
Firstly, Calafiori is pretty injury-prone. He has picked up NINE separate injuries during his two seasons with the Gunners.
Secondly, Piero Hincapie has proven a more than able replacement. Manager Mikel Arteta opted to start the Ecuadorian international in the Champions League final ahead of Calafiori.
The money raised from the Italian’s exit could then be put to good use by strengthening other positions in the first-team squad.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here