Mourinho targets Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori for Real Madrid rebuild

Jose Mourinho has identified Riccardo Calafiori as a primary target for his return to Real Madrid. The move follows Mourinho's decision to sell the versatile defender while at Roma and comes amid reports he has signed a three-year contract to take charge at the Bernabeu, with an announcement expected after the club's presidential election.

Calafiori moved to Arsenal in a £42m deal and has become a key part of Mikel Arteta's side, celebrating the club's first title in 22 years. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Real Madrid have already contacted people close to the player to probe his availability, though prising him from the Emirates will be difficult.

Mourinho is rebuilding Madrid's defence and has already lined up Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, with Konate set to arrive on a free transfer and Dumfries subject to a €20m buy-out. He views Calafiori's ability to play at left-back and centre-half as a tactical asset, despite the defender having been sold to Basel for £1.5m in 2022.

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