'Asking for information' - Real Madrid make contact over shock move for Arsenal star as Jose Mourinho lays demand

Real Madrid's summer transfer business could be an all-timer, with news that they have made contact with an Arsenal star's entourage over a shock summer move.

Following a disappointing trophyless campaign in 2025/26, Los Blancos are doing everything in their power to ensure that does not happen again next term.

Jose Mourinho is returning as manager on a contract until 2029 if Florentino Perez wins the presidential election at the Santiago Bernabeu, while the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries have already been wrapped up.

Real are not stopping there, however and the latest report from Fabrizio Romano claims that Real made reached out to the representatives of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian has just helped Arsenal win a first Premier League title in 22 years, playing 36 times in all competitions.

However, Real made contact in a bid to explore the possibility of signing the 24-year-old as they want a player who can play at both centre-back and left-back.

"What I can reveal is there has been a contact with those close to Calafiori a few weeks ago, with Real Madrid asking for information," Romano said on his YouTube channel.

"He's still a very important player for Arsenal so he's not an easy one at all. But Real Madrid are looking for that kind of player.

Calafiori certainly fits the bill and there is also interest in Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol for the same reason.

According to journalist Sergio Valentin, the signing of Calafiori would complete a trio of requested reinforcements for Mourinho after deals for Konate and Dumfries were sealed with ease.

Meanwhile Ramon Alvarez of Radio Marca also says that Mourinho has asked for Real to try and thrash out a deal for Calafiori, who has found himself playing second-fiddle to Piero Hincapie on occasion.

It is also claimed that Mourinho likes compatriots Bernardo Silva and Mateus Fernandes for the central midfield position.

Jose Mourinho places six Real Madrid stars on transfer list

Said to be taking an increased role in transfers during his second stint, Mourinho knows what players he wants to strengthen the squad.

On top of that, he has already decided which players will not be part of his plans. According to Alvarez, Mourinho has told the club's board that Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo Goes, and Franco Mastantuono, Fran Garcia, Raul Asencio and Dani Ceballos have no place in his squad and are therefore surplus to requirements.

In addition, he has decided that both Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are "untouchable" given their importance to the team.