Transfer talk: Mourinho wants Calafiori at Real Madrid, Arsenal will not make it easy
Jose Mourinho has a new priority on his desk. According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, the Special One, who has signed a long-term deal with Real Madrid until 2029, has told the club’s hierarchy to take a serious look at a move for Riccardo Calafiori. The Arsenal defender, 24, is top of the Portuguese coach’s wanted list as he looks to strengthen his back line before next season.
What appeals to Mourinho about Calafiori is first and foremost his versatility. The Italian can play at centre-back or left-back, two areas Real Madrid want to bolster. This season in the Premier League, Calafiori has played 26 matches for the Gunners, scored one goal and provided two assists. Solid numbers for a defender who has established himself as a regular starter at Arsenal since arriving.
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Arsenal will not sell their star on the cheap, transfer battle looms
Arsenal are not expected to let Calafiori walk without a fight. The London club have built their defence around him and have no reason to make life easy for a move to La Liga, especially not to Real Madrid. The Gunners’ asking price could soon rise, making the deal difficult for the Merengues even with Mourinho’s big ambitions.
For Real Madrid, this pursuit fits into a defensive rebuild that is already well under way. After securing Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, Mourinho is trying to add more depth at the back so he can have a strong, flexible defensive unit. Calafiori, if he does end up at the Bernabeu, would add another layer to a defence being reshaped around a new plan. It looks set to be a tough fight, but Mourinho has been here before.
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