The ongoing speculation linking Riccardo Calafiori with Real Madrid has been put to bed after their decision to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Calafiori has been a quality acquisition for Arsenal since his move from Bologna two years ago, but recent reports claimed that Madrid could pursue a deal.
It was highlighted that new manager Jose Mourinho had urged Los Blancos’ hierarchy to sign the Italian, having previously worked together at AS Roma.
The surprise rumour has now been dispelled with Madrid on the cusp of landing Cucurella.
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that Los Blancos have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea to sign the Spanish left-back for £52 million.
An official statement is scheduled today with Cucurella set to sign a six-year deal with Mourinho’s side.
Calafiori poised to stay with Arsenal next season
The 24-year-old has been a key player for the Gunners over the last two seasons. He has been hampered by injury concerns, but has stood out on many occasions.
The Italian ace was an undisputed Premier League starter at left-back ahead of Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly during the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
An unfortunate injury before the turn of the year saw Hincapie displace him. Calafiori did get a regular run towards the end, but Hincapie was picked to start the Champions League final.
Regardless, we were surprised by the possible talk of him leaving the club. Arsenal explored a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown, but he appears to be Bayern Munich-bound.
Hence, there is no quality upgrade in the transfer market at the moment. Calafiori has proved a fabulous signing with his ability to invert into midfield and operate as a conventional left-back.
With Italy not at the World Cup, Calafiori should report for pre-season at Arsenal right from the off, and has the opportunity to become the regular left-back when the new campaign begins.