Arsenal are expected to sell a few players this summer.
The Gunners spent over £200 million on new signings last year, and although there is no immediate pressure from PSR or FFP, it would make sense for the club to balance the books.
Several players have already been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium as Andrea Berta prepares for his second summer in charge.
Now, one of Arsenal’s most-loved players is reportedly wanted by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid – Riccardo Calafiori.
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Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal
Calafiori arrived at Arsenal with huge expectations after impressing for Bologna and Italy.
The defender immediately looked like a perfect Mikel Arteta player because of his aggression, technical quality and ability to play in multiple positions.
At his best, the Italian gives Arsenal something completely different on the left side. He can start at left-back, move into midfield, step into central areas and even operate as a centre-back when needed.
That level of versatility is exactly why so many top managers admire him, and one of them appears to be new Real Madrid manager, Mourinho.
According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez De Mon, Mourinho has personally asked Real Madrid to explore the possibility of signing Calafiori this summer.
He said on X: “Mourinho has asked Real Madrid to explore the option of signing Calafiori. He likes the Italian’s versatility (centre-back-left-back).”
That will be a concern for Arsenal fans because Real Madrid’s interest is never easy to ignore.
Calafiori still has a lot to offer at the Emirates, but if Los Blancos come forward with a serious offer, Arsenal may have a difficult decision to make.
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Arsenal could make the ruthless decision to sell Riccardo Calafiori
There is no doubt that Calafiori is a brilliant footballer.
The former Bologna man’s ball-carrying, left-footed quality and freedom to roam from full-back make him a dangerous weapon in Arteta’s system.
The issue, however, is his availability.
Since joining Arsenal, Calafiori has missed 44 games for club and country through injury, and he was not even fit enough to start the Champions League final against PSG.
Arsenal have already been linked with left-backs like Nathaniel Brown and Victor Valdepenas, which suggests Berta may be looking at that area of the pitch.
So, if Mourinho’s Real Madrid make a big offer, Arsenal could decide this is the right time to be ruthless and cash in.
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