After Vitinha, Real Madrid will try to sign Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori: Report
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have already contacted the Italian full-back's camp, although it remains to be seen if he will be interested in leaving Arsenal after a highly successful campaign
Reports suggest that Real Madrid, while also linked with Vitinha, are showing strong interest in Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, with the club reportedly making contact with the player's representatives. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Spanish giants are tracking the 24-year-old Italian, who offers versatility as both a left-back and a centre-back, a profile that appeals to Real Madrid as they seek defensive reinforcements due to existing fitness concerns with players like Militão and Rüdiger, and the departure of Alaba, despite signing Konaté. Calafiori, who has a contract with Arsenal until 2026 and has impressed with his performances there, is seen by Real Madrid as a potential option to bolster their defence, particularly in a role that could cover both centre-back and left-back duties, although specific transfer fee details remain undisclosed.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid, while also linked with Vitinha, are showing strong interest in Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, with the club reportedly making contact with the player's representatives. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Spanish giants are tracking the 24-year-old Italian, who offers versatility as both a left-back and a centre-back, a profile that appeals to Real Madrid as they seek defensive reinforcements due to existing fitness concerns with players like Militão and Rüdiger, and the departure of Alaba, despite signing Konaté. Calafiori, who has a contract with Arsenal until 2026 and has impressed with his performances there, is seen by Real Madrid as a potential option to bolster their defence, particularly in a role that could cover both centre-back and left-back duties, although specific transfer fee details remain undisclosed.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid, while also linked with Vitinha, are showing strong interest in Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, with the club reportedly making contact with the player's representatives. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Spanish giants are tracking the 24-year-old Italian, who offers versatility as both a left-back and a centre-back, a profile that appeals to Real Madrid as they seek defensive reinforcements due to existing fitness concerns with players like Militão and Rüdiger, and the departure of Alaba, despite signing Konaté. Calafiori, who has a contract with Arsenal until 2026 and has impressed with his performances there, is seen by Real Madrid as a potential option to bolster their defence, particularly in a role that could cover both centre-back and left-back duties, although specific transfer fee details remain undisclosed.
Amidst speculation over Vitinha's switch to Real Madrid in a £100 million deal, Italy's Riccardo Calafiori is also said to be on the radar of Florentino Pérez. The Spanish giants have already made contact with the player's camp, he claimed.
It was noted football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano who claimed that the Arsenal defender is being tracked by Pérez. The 24-year-old is versatile, as he can operate as a left-back as well as a centre-back.
While Mikel Arteta has been using him on the left side of his backline more often, Real Madrid are likely to use him more as a centre-back. In the backdrop of David Alaba leaving, Los Blancos signed Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer. However, constant fitness issues for Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy mean the team needs more defensive cover.
Álvaro Carreras has impressed in the left-back position at Real Madrid. The presence of Fran García and Mendy means Calafiori is being shortlisted as a potential backup to Konaté and Raúl Asencio.
“Real Madrid are not done with defenders,” Fabrizio Romano reportedly said on his YouTube channel. “The situation is linked to the centre-back and left-back position... At centre-back, the idea at Real Madrid is if there’s an opportunity for a player who can help as a centre-back and left-back – and Riccardo Calafiori is that profile – for Real Madrid it could be an interesting option to follow in the market,” he claimed.
The Premier League champions' current deal runs to June 2026 after his arrival at the Emirates Stadium from Bologna in 2024. The left-footed player has made 65 appearances for the Gunners across competitions. He has four goals and five assists to his credit. There was no information on how much money Real Madrid are willing to pay for the Italian.