League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Transactions

Jose Mourinho targets Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori for Real Madrid

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 7:55 AM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Jose Mourinho targets Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori for Real Madrid

Summary

Jose Mourinho, set to become the new manager of Real Madrid, has expressed interest in signing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 24-year-old has impressed with his versatility, playing both left-back and center-back. Calafiori has been a significant contributor for Arsenal since joining the team from Bologna in 2024, with 65 appearances, four goals, and five assists. Despite Mourinho's interest, a transfer seems unlikely as Arsenal aims to retain the player, particularly with their plans to strengthen their defense through potential targets like Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Jose Mourinho aims to sign Riccardo Calafiori for Real Madrid.
•Calafiori has played 65 matches for Arsenal since 2024.
•He primarily plays as a left-back but can also feature centrally.
•Arsenal seeks to bolster defense and may target Nathaniel Brown.
•A transfer appears unlikely given Calafiori's importance to Arsenal.

Latest Updates

7:55 AMESPN — Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid keen on Arsenal...
7:40 AMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho asks Real Madrid to sign versatile Arsenal defender
4:10 PMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori

What they're saying

"
Soon-to-be Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has told the club to sign Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to Madrid insider and journalist Ramon Alvarez. The Arsenal star has caught the ey...
— Yahoo Sports

"
Real Madrid’s summer rebuild could involve yet another addition to the defensive department, with Jose Mourinho identifying a new target capable of adding flexibility and depth to his squad.Accordin...
— Yahoo Sports