At a Glance:
- Real Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori.
- Los Blancos reached out to the Italian’s representatives weeks ago.
- Gunners supporters have reacted to these links.
Arsenal may need to make an uncomfortable sale this summer, and with reports linking Riccardo Calafiori to Real Madrid circulating in recent days, the Italian could be the man who is sacrificed by Andrea Berta.
The Gunners have reportedly placed eight players up for sale, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all expected to depart N5 in the coming months. However, further departures may need to be sanctioned to create funds for marquee additions.
Bradley Barcola is being heavily linked with Arsenal, as are the likes of Julian Alvarez, Junior Kroupi and Morgan Rogers. These players won’t come cheap, and thus, Berta might consider allowing Calafiori to join Real Madrid for a significant fee.
Arsenal fans react to Riccardo Calafiori to Real Madrid rumours
Out of nowhere on Wednesday, a shock transfer rumour emerged. Reports suggested that Real Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal’s Calafiori this summer.
These reports were verified by a reliable source, Fabrizio Romano, on Thursday morning. The Italian journalist revealed that Los Blancos notified Calafiori’s representatives of their interest several weeks ago.
“What I can reveal to you is there has been a contact with those close to Calafiori a few weeks ago, with Real Madrid asking for information on the Italian defender,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
Arsenal fans are fond of Calafiori, and thus, the reaction to these reports has been hasty. The North London club’s supporters took to social media to express their feelings on the Spanish giants’ interest, quoting significant fees for the left-back.
One fan wrote on X: “If they want Calafiori, let them pay the 80 million.”
Si quieren a Calafiori que paguen los 80 millones.
— BaúI (@NotBaul_) June 3, 2026
Another added: “Calafiori said he doesn’t want to leave anytime soon and unless Madrid offer 70 million plus, he’s not leaving.”
Calafiori said he doesn’t want to leave anytime soon and unless Madrid offer 70mill + he’s not leaving
— 🕊️ (@Lhastim3) June 3, 2026
Meanwhile, one supporter wrote: “Gone are those days when we used to be bullied to sell our players for cheap. If Calafiori leaves, it is because we want him gone, not because we were bullied into selling him. Real Madrid tried it with Saliba and Gabriel and failed.”
Gone are those days when we used to be bullied to sell our players for cheap.
— The Bottom Corner (@thebottomcorna) June 4, 2026
If Calafiori leaves, it is because we want him gone not because we were bullied into selling him.
Real Madrid tried it with Saliba and Gabriel and failed. https://t.co/ZgswdRlPiU
Finally, one fan posted a video of Calafiori talking about his excitement about joining Arsenal, simply writing: “He’s not going.”
He’s not going https://t.co/zUPkSRsQIo pic.twitter.com/sNzqZTI0Pp
— Monkey.D.Rid (@afc_r1d) June 3, 2026
There is a price for Riccardo Calafiori
While Calafiori is a mercurial talent, Arsenal will ultimately have to consider selling him if Real Madrid offer a certain amount. The best ability is availability, and the simple fact is that Calafiori isn’t available anywhere near as much as he should be.
Since suffering a horrific injury as a youngster, the Italy international has had to endure persistent niggles throughout his career. He only just exceeded the 2,000 minute mark this term for Arsenal.
Thus, if Real Madrid send a proposal to the Gunners in the region of around £70 million, then they should accept. While it would be an uncomfortable sale for Arsenal fans to deal with, you cannot hoard a talent who isn’t available very often when you can cash in a fee of this magnitude.
