Arsenal are preparing for a potential approach from Real Madrid for defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to The Times.
Calafiori has been a key player for the Gunners since his £42 million move from Bologna in the summer of 2024. The Italian had an injury-plagued 2025/26 season, but still made 36 appearances across all competitions.
A recent report claimed that new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has urged the hierarchy to sign Calafiori, and The Times says that the Gunners are ‘preparing’ for Madrid ‘stepping up interest’ in the 24-year-old.
Arsenal unlikely to sell Calafiori barring a significant fee
The Roma graduate has had a mixed career with the Gunners. He has had multiple standout performances, but they have coincided with spells on the sidelines due to muscular and knee injuries.
Calafiori started the previous season as the undisputed left-back in the Premier League, but a setback in late December paved the way for Piero Hincapie to become the regular starter in the position.
The ex-Bologna man did return to the starting plans of manager Mikel Arteta towards the end of the campaign, but Hincapie was preferred to start in the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Arsenal are poised to sign Hincapie permanently after a year-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Calafiori faces fierce competition from the Ecuadorian, but he has shown no intention of pushing for an exit.
The Gunners also rate the Italy international very highly, and only a significant proposal could change that.
Madrid have shown that they have the money after a staggering £129m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal signed Calafiori for £42m two years ago, and we believe their resolve could only be tested by an £70-80m offer.
For now, Madrid have yet to make a formal bid for Calafiori. Arsenal could have a decision to make when one arrives.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com