Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly identified Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori as his preferred left-back signing for 2027 as he looks to significantly bolster his squad next year.

Calafiori, 24, has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe since his arrival at Arsenal and he was linked with a possible move to the Bernabeu before Marc Cucurella’s switch to Los Blancos over the summer.

Cucurella has cemented himself as Mourinho’s favoured left-back during the first few months of the 2026-27 campaign, but the Real Madrid manager remains interested in finalising a blockbuster deal for Calafiori next year.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Mourinho has earmarked the Arsenal star as a “dream” signing, in part thanks to his versatility to play at both centre-back and left-back.

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol is also on Real Madrid’s radar for the same reason, but Calafiori is reportedly considered to be their priority target, with Mourinho believed to be playing a key role in the club’s pursuit of his signature.

It’s understood that Calafiori’s representatives are aware of Real Madrid’s interest in the Italy international, and Los Blancos are preparing a possible approach as they look to test Arsenal’s resolve.

Calafiori will have just two years remaining on his current Arsenal contract next summer, but the north London giants are reportedly planning to address this situation in 2027, with fresh terms highly likely to be agreed.

Arsenal are currently in contract talks with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and club captain Martin Odegaard, and once they have finalised extension agreements with all three players, they are expected to turn their attention to Calafiori as they look to ward off interest from Real Madrid.

Riccardo Calafiori to join Real Madrid?

Calafiori has started eight of Arsenal’s nine Premier League fixtures so far this season and while Piero Hincapie’s loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent over the summer, he is firmly behind the Italian in the pecking order as things stand.

Calafiori’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a career-high of €63.3 million, but given his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side, Real Madrid may be required to make him the most expensive defender in football history if they are to complete a deal next year.

That record currently belongs to the aforementioned Gvardiol, thanks to his €90m move to Man City in 2023, and Real Madrid may be hesitant to splash that much money on a left-back just one year after purchasing Cucurella.