Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterMikel Artetas Arsenal prevailed at the fourth time of asking in this years Premier League title race, pipping Manchester City to English top-flight glory.Arsenal, who also strung together a remarkable Champions League run before losing in the final, now face tough decisions ahead of the 2026/27 season, aiming to produce another historic campaign.One such decision is perhaps nearer than others, with the Gunners having received interest from enquiring Champions League royalty regarding one of their standout players.Real Madrid aim to raid Arsenal this summerReal Madrid, with returning boss Jose Mourinho at the helm, are looking to secure top-level signings this summer, with the possibility of a third successive trophyless season looming.The La Liga giants have already picked the pockets of one Premier League club for their defender, Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate, and theyre hoping to do the same to Arsenal. You may like Arsenal star eyed by Real Madrid, as Gunners have to sell to balance books: report Arsenal make summer transfer plans to build around major contract extension: report Arsenal target showing no signs of contract renewal as Gunners eye homegrown transfer: report According to reports from Sport Witness and Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Gunners will face a significant pursuit for the Italy international this summer.The former stated that Mourinhos highest priority targets are Calafiori and Manchester Citys Josko Gvardiol, with the Gunners man likely easier to obtain.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Di Marzio revealed further details: that Real Madrid have already called to register interest in the Italy international, to which Arsenal answered.Valued by Transfermarkt at over �45 million, and having played upwards of 2000 minutes for Mikel Arteta this season en route to a historic Premier League title, Arsenal face a tough decision regarding Calafioris future.While Di Marzio made no comment in reference to Arsenals willingness, or unwillingness, to sell, Real Madrids allure to Premier League defenders has been made clear over the last two seasons, and Calafiori's previous stint playing under Mourinho at Roma could also play a role. What to read next Arsenal make 'aggressive' first transfer move of the summer window: report Arsenal could let these TEN first-team players leave after the Champions League final Arsenal positioning to sign three talents under 22, as first summer buys: report Dean Huijsen was swayed to leave Bournemouth for the Spanish giants, despite an array of attractive offers in England awaiting him, and Ibrahima Konate rejected a contract extension with Liverpool to join ex-Reds defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in La Liga, who departed at the height of Liverpool's top-flight success.Years prior, Antonio Rudiger traded in Chelsea for Real Madrid, starting in the Champions League final the following season.While Arsenal appear likely to continue competing, making Calafioris decision less clear-cut than the aforementioned pair, history has proven that this isnt always the case.Konate won the Premier League just a season prior to his impending move, finishing fourth in 2025/26, and Rudiger won the Champions League the season before his Madrid move, enduring a quarter-final exit to his future La Liga side in the following campaign.If the Italian wants to leave, theres scarcely a club with stronger pull in world football than Los Blancos for now, Arsenal are left with the first of what will surely be a summer of tough transfer decisions, to ensure their next campaign lives up to the heights set by its preceding one.TOPICSArsenalReal MadridPremier LeagueChampions LeagueLa LigaKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
