GD Estoril Praia v SL Benfica - Primeira Liga - Source: Getty
GD Estoril Praia v SL Benfica - Primeira Liga - Source: Getty
Jose Mourinho has reportedly given his approval to Real Madrid for the signing of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori ahead of his presentation as the head coach of the LaLiga club.
Real Madrid have already secured the signatures of Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers, but incoming Mourinho still wants to add more firepower to the defense.
According to Diario AS, Mourinho wants left-backs with a much more defensive profile, as he considers the two right-backs he already has, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries, very offensive. In an effort to bring balance to the defense, the Portuguese manager has given Real Madrid the ‘go-ahead’ to sign Calafiori.
Mourinho is already familiar with Calafiori’s game, having managed the Italian left-back at AS Roma. Earlier reports suggested that the Santiago Bernebeu outfit have even contacted Arsenal to ask whether the Premier League champions would be open to selling the 24-year-old.
AS adds that Mourinho has been keeping tabs on Calafiori and stated that a move for the defender is feasible, with his current market value standing at €55 million according to Transfermarkt.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that Calafiori is the profile of player Los Blancos are looking for, as they want someone who can play as a center-back and a left-back. While Calafiori is not a nailed-on starter at the Emirates, Romano stressed that the defender is still an important player for the north London club.
Calafiori made 26 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season and was vital in their journey to Premier League glory.
Benfica makes Mourinho’s departure to Real Madrid official
Benfica on Tuesday officially announced the departure of Mourinho, revealing that Real Madrid intends to trigger the €15 million release clause on the manager’s deal. The Portuguese club added that Mourinho gave the LaLiga giants his agreement and thanked him for his time with them.
“Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM that Real Madrid CF has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for the amount of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement. Thank you, José Mourinho,” a statement read.
This marks the beginning of Mourinho’s second stint at the Spanish capital, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013. Mourinho is expected to put pen to paper on a three-year deal before he is officially unveiled to the media. In a corresponding statement, Los Blancos confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Alvaro Arbeloa to end his tenure as first-team coach.