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Two separate sources have claimed Jose Mourinho has instructed Real Madrid to sign an Arsenal ace next to complete his defensive overhaul.<\/p>\n
Mourinho is the man Florentino Perez has chosen to put Real Madrid<\/strong> back on their perch. Los Blancos are coming off the back of a rare trophyless season in which defensive frailties and in-fighting torpedoed their campaign.<\/p>\n As such, Real Madrid and Mourinho instantly recognised the need to clean house at the back, with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba both leaving via free agency.<\/p>\n The twin signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries have already been sealed. Both deals have been given Fabrizio Romano\u2019s signature \u2018here we go\u2019 confirmation.<\/p>\n Konate is arriving on a free transfer after he and Liverpool failed to agree a contract extension. Inter Milan are receiving \u20ac20m for Dumfries after Real Madrid activated the Dutchman\u2019s release clause.<\/p>\n But according to two Spanish reporters, Mourinho isn\u2019t finished there, with Arsenal\u2019s Riccardo Calafiori<\/strong> up next to complete the defensive rebuild.<\/p>\n That\u2019s according to journalists Sergio Valentin<\/em> and Ramon Alvarez de Mon<\/em> who provided their updates on X<\/em>.<\/p>\n When declaring which \u2018reinforcements\u2019 Mourinho asked for after agreeing to become Real\u2019s new manager, Valentin wrote: \u2018Dumfries, Konate, CALAFIORI.\u2019<\/p>\n He added: \u2018He\u2019d like Bernardo Silva, but there\u2019s a lot of competition. He likes Mateus Fernandes\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n The fact Real Madrid have quickly and decisively wrapped up deals for targets one and two may ring alarm bells in north London.<\/p>\n de Mon wrote: \u2018Mourinho has asked Real Madrid to explore the option of signing Calafiori. He likes the Italian\u2019s versatility (center-back-left-back).\u2019<\/p>\n Calafiori, 24, cost \u00a342m (add-ons included) when signed from Bologna in the summer of 2024. He\u2019s among Mikel Arteta\u2019s most trusted lieutenants at the back, though given the presence of Piero Hincapie, isn\u2019t always a starter.<\/p>\n MORE ARSENAL COVERAGE ON F365\u2026<\/strong> In any case, our colleagues over on TEAMtalk were previously provided with insight into Arsenal\u2019s stance on selling Calafiori this summer.<\/p>\n Back in March when Calafiori was being linked with a return to Serie A, Bailey touched base with sources at Arsenal<\/strong> and the feedback was crystal clear.<\/p>\n Bailey was informed the Gunners have no intention of cashing in on Calafiori<\/strong>and the fact he\u2019s contracted until 2029 means they\u2019re under no pressure to sell.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, Calafiori \u2013 so far, at least \u2013 has shown no indication he\u2019s unhappy at Arsenal or would agitate for a move to the Bernabeu.<\/p>\n Mourinho may be wise to look elsewhere for the final piece of his defensive jigsaw.<\/p>\n READ NEXT:<\/strong> <\/em>World Cup tactics breaks: Surely there\u2019s a simple solution?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\nJose Mourinho orders Real Madrid raid<\/strong><\/h2>\n
* Paul Merson tells Arsenal to sign \u00a3182m duo to \u2018dominate\u2019 with transfers they are \u2018screaming out for\u2019<\/strong>
* Manager pleads with Man Utd man to \u2018accept\u2019 Arsenal \u2018offer\u2019 after Scholes recommendation<\/strong>
* Man City ready to \u2018stop\u2019 Arsenal signing Morgan Rogers after \u2018open\u2019 verdict on transfer<\/strong><\/p>\nArsenal stance on selling Riccardo Calafiori<\/strong><\/h2>\n