Real Madrid has a goal of 100 million euros

Riccardo Calafiori, 24-year-old Italian defender from Arsenal, reappears on Real Madrid's transfer agenda to strengthen their defense. The white club maintains its interest in the player for the upcoming transfer windows, but the English club would demand over 100 million euros to negotiate his departure, as reported by CaughtOffside.

Another classy performance 👏 Riccardo Calafiori receives his POTM award 🤳 https://t.co/2cFQbGkVwT

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2026

Real Madrid Keeps Interest in Riccardo Calafiori

Real Madrid continues to seek alternatives to reinforce its defense after not signing another center-back during the last summer transfer window. The continuity of Raúl Asencio influenced the club's decisions, opting to retain the squad without further investment in that position.

However, José Mourinho had requested the addition of another defender, and the sports management is still studying the market. One of the names under scrutiny is Riccardo Calafiori, an Italian international who joined the London club in 2024 from Bologna.

According to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid has already made contact with people close to the player to understand his contract situation and the possibilities of a future transfer. Currently, there have been no formal offers presented to the English club.

Calafiori can play as a center-back and left-back, positions in which he has competed under Mikel Arteta's guidance. Furthermore, his ability to push into midfield during build-up play broadens the coach's tactical options. This is not the first time Mourinho has asked for Calafiori's signing.

The Italian has featured in seven Premier League games during the 2026/2027 season, with one goal and two assists. His involvement in Arteta's plans is an additional factor complicating a potential departure.

The main obstacle to closing the deal is financial. Arsenal is not willing to part easily with Riccardo Calafiori and, according to reports from England, would only entertain offers exceeding 100 million euros.

This amount significantly surpasses his estimated market value, which is around 65 million euros according to CaughtOffside. The difference reflects the economic conditions the London club seeks to establish for negotiations.

Moreover, the Italian is contracted until June 30, 2029, so the English club is not under pressure to sell him. There is also no indication that the player has requested to leave London.

The defender arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2024 in a deal valued at approximately 45 million euros. A sale above 100 million would allow the English club to make a considerable profit compared to that initial investment.

Defense, a Priority for the Upcoming Market

Real Madrid currently relies on Dean Huijsen as one of the key figures for their present and future defense. The sports management is considering adding another center-back to complement his attributes and increase Mourinho's options.

The aim is to reinforce a position that was already under review in the summer and remains one of the identified needs to compete in LaLiga and European competitions.

For now, Riccardo Calafiori remains an option under scrutiny and not an advanced negotiation. The next step will depend on whether Real Madrid decides to allocate over 100 million euros for a defender whom Arsenal has under contract until 2029.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid tiene un objetivo de 100 millones de euros