Arsenal make €80m transfer decision amid UNEXPECTED Real Madrid threat

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer, although the Italian is set to cost at least €80 million.

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna for €45m last year, following an immense season in Serie A and an extremely promising Euro 2024 campaign, but he has recently been usurped by academy wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly.

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The Italy international has only started 11 Premier League matches since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, while he has played the entire 90 minutes in just one English top flight fixture since October.

As a result, Real Madrid are monitoring his situation as they look to bring a new left-back to the club during the 2025 summer transfer window.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Arsenal will demand a fee of at least €80m to part ways with Calafiori this summer.

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The 22-year-old reportedly remains a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s long-term project in north London, however, and Arsenal are therefore eager to retain his services for “as long as possible.”

Chelsea were also interested in signing Calafiori last year, although there has been no indication that Enzo Maresca’s side have rekindled their interest in the Italian, despite his somewhat limited involvement at Arsenal and the Blues’ defensive struggles this campaign.

Real Madrid are also keen on William Saliba

In addition to Calafiori, Real Madrid have also been heavily linked with a move for his Arsenal team-mate William Saliba.

The France defender is one of Los Blancos’ priority transfer targets for 2025, amid their pursuit of a new centre-back, although Saliba has insisted that he remains happy in north London.

Furthermore, Arsenal are planning on offering the 23-year-old a bumper new contract in order to end speculation of a lucrative move to Real Madrid.