Real Madrid make Arsenal star their dream signing but the Gunners make it clear the player is not for sale.
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Interest from major European clubs can emerge when a player establishes himself as a regular in a strong defensive unit. Clubs looking to improve specific areas of their squad often identify targets based on current form and versatility. Responses from the player’s existing club then set the tone for how any interest is likely to develop.
Arsenal have responded to Riccardo Calafiori being made Real Madrid’s ‘dream’ signing for Jose Mourinho, according to TEAMtalk.
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Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as manager ahead of this season, and he has been backed heavily in the transfer market. Real Madrid invested around £200m on summer signings as they landed Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.
This has helped Real Madrid to improve under Mourinho after a disappointing couple of seasons. Arsenal are certainly Europe’s best defensive side, and Real Madrid are reportedly looking to raid the Gunners to sign left-back Calafiori. TEAMtalk are reporting that Real Madrid want to further improve their defence in upcoming transfer windows and have made Calafiori the ‘outstanding left-back option’ and ‘dream’ signing for Mourinho.
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Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori is said to be preferred to Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Real Madrid are ‘preparing’ a move for the Arsenal star. However, Arsenal’s response is that they ‘will not let Calafiori leave easily’ and they intend to make it ‘categorically clear that the Italian is strictly not for sale’. It is also claimed that Arsenal intend to turn to getting Calafiori, whose current deal expires in 2029, to sign a new contract once deals for three other players are finalised.
TEAMtalk understands that Arsenal are planning to address Calafiori’s contract in 2027, when a new deal for the Italian is on their agenda. The club’s immediate priority is to finalise extensions for Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, with those negotiations understood to be advancing. Once those matters have been resolved, Arsenal are expected to turn their attention to Calafiori, whose performances have attracted the attention of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal also have Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly as left-back options, but Calafiori is currently their first-choice option, and he would be a huge loss if he is lured to Real Madrid or elsewhere. The club’s stance indicates a desire to retain the player as part of their defensive setup. Any formal approach from Real Madrid would need to overcome that position.
The interest underlines the recognition of Calafiori’s role in Arsenal’s defensive structure this season. The priority on other contract renewals suggests the club has a clear order of business before addressing his situation. Developments in the coming months will determine how the situation progresses.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal