Arsenal's chances of having a successful summer transfer window have been boosted, as The Mirror reports that Riccardo Calafiori is now unlikely to leave the club amid interest from Real Madrid.
The Italian international had seemingly caught the eye of Jose Mourinho, who has made his return to the Bernabeu, following some impressive displays for the Gunners.
Calafiori signed for the North London club back in 2024 from Bologna in a deal worth up to £42 million, offering the side some versatility with his potential to play as a left-back and as a centre-back.
While injury issues have hampered his ability to string together a long run of appearances, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in the 65 games he has featured for Arsenal.
That led to the interest from Real Madrid, but another move elsewhere may have helped talks of an exit come to a close.
Marc Cucurella Deal Impacts Riccardo Calafiori's Future
calafiori
According to the report from The Mirror, Calafiori's potential move to Real Madrid is all but over, after the Spanish club confirmed their deal to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.
Los Blancos announced their new signing ahead of his upcoming World Cup bow with Spain against Cape Verde, with the fee reported to be in the region of £51 million.
It was a swift move from Mourinho and his side, after links persisted over Cucurella joining one of Barcelona or Atletico Madrid instead this summer, securing their left-back options for the season.
That will end the pursuit of Calafiori as a result, with a deal claimed to be "unlikely" to happen. The Gunners have no plans to offload the Italian defender this summer, despite interest from elsewhere.
The 24-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, with it unclear whether an extension could come in the next year to avoid it being run down.
An exit may not be happening for Calafiori, but there could be some other sales within the Arsenal ranks that need to follow this summer.
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Arsenal Player Sale Considerations
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
via Reuters
As much as Arsenal wish to strengthen in the summer transfer window, there will be a clear need to sell players in the squad to help create some room for new arrivals.
Almost every area of the squad is well-stocked, with talent for every position, and costs that will reflect the strength in depth that Mikel Arteta has available to him.
The left wing, for example, is an area of consideration. Any move could require a sale for someone like Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, both of whom have been linked with a potential exit.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid Related
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In midfield there have been links over an exit for Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri, while there is uncertainty over the future of Gabriel Jesus in the forward ranks.
Any transfer will likely be reinvested in a squad that is ready to make sure that the recent Premier League title win wasn't a one-off occurrence.