Jose Mourinho urges Real Madrid to sign Arsenal left‑back Riccardo Calafiori

Incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has told the club hierarchy that signing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is a priority for the summer transfer window. The 24‑year‑old Italian, bought by Arsenal for £42 million in 2024, has been a regular starter when fit but missed a spell with an injury and currently faces competition from Piero Hincapie. Mourinho, confirmed as Florentino Pérez’s pick, says Real need a more defensive left‑back to complement their recent acquisitions of Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. He also named Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol as an alternative target. Arsenal could consider a sale if Real offer a premium fee of around £65‑70 million.

Mourinho believes Calafiori’s positional versatility would allow Real to shift between back‑three and back‑four formations, addressing what he sees as a defensive imbalance after a trophy‑less season.