News Focus
- Jose Mourinho identifies Riccardo Calafiori as a priority defensive target for Real Madrid
- The Italy international’s ability to play at centre-back and left-back attracts the Portuguese coach
- Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu hinges on Florentino Perez winning the presidential election this weekend
- Arsenal invested €44 million plus add-ons to sign the defender from Bologna in 2024
- Calafiori lifted the Premier League trophy but remained on the bench during the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain
Jose Mourinho has reportedly instructed Real Madrid to pursue Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. The Portuguese tactician views the Italian as a key addition to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
The proposed move depends on Florentino Perez securing victory in this weekend’s presidential elections at the Spanish club. Mourinho has agreed to take charge if Perez wins another term.
Sources indicate that Calafiori features prominently on Mourinho’s wish list. This follows Real Madrid’s successful capture of Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. The club activated the Dutchman’s €20 million release clause and agreed personal terms.
Mourinho values Calafiori’s versatility highly. The 22-year-old performs effectively both as a central defender and at left-back. This flexibility offers the manager tactical options across the back line.
Calafiori completed his first season with Arsenal after the Gunners paid Bologna €44 million last summer. Additional bonuses could raise the total fee to €49 million. Fitness issues limited his playing time, but he still made 36 appearances in all competitions. He scored one goal and provided three assists during the campaign.
The defender enjoyed domestic success by winning the Premier League title. However, he faced frustration in European competition. Manager Mikel Arteta left him on the substitutes’ bench throughout the Champions League final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Now Mourinho hopes to lure the former Bologna star to La Liga. Any potential transfer would require complex negotiations with Arsenal following their league triumph.