José Mourinho ‘to target’ Gvardiol and Calafiori for Real Madrid left side | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, José Mourinho is said to be drawing up plans to reshape Real Madrid, with full-backs a priority. After progress on Denzel Dumfries and Konaté, he is understood to have earmarked Josko Gvardiol and Riccardo Calafiori to challenge Álvaro Carreras, ex-Benfica, on the left.

The reported approach is to add defensive balance, given the possibility of offensive profiles on the right, including Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mourinho is said to want a left-back who is stronger defensively and can also slot into central defence when required.

That versatility makes Gvardiol and Calafiori attractive, as both can operate at centre-back or left-back, offering tactical flexibility.

Any move promises to be complex. Gvardiol remains important at Manchester City and is under contract until 2028 after a 2023 switch from Leipzig worth about 90 million euros. A departure would also hinge on the assessment of City’s new head coach.

Calafiori may prove more attainable. The Italy international is tied to Arsenal until 2029 following a 2024 move from Bologna for 43 million euros, but he lost prominence late last season, which could ease negotiations.

Source: Glorioso 1904