Real Madrid eye Calafiori after Konaté and Dumfries deals as Perez vows more top signings | OneFootball

Florentino Perez has declared that Real Madrid are not finished in the transfer market this summer, promising at least one more top defender after the signings of Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, with Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori among the profiles under consideration.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Real Madrid president told AS: “I will bring more players. Everyone who knows me knows that great players want to play for Real Madrid and I want to bring them in. I will make it happen. Another top defender will join this summer.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Calafiori and Gvardiol among complicated targets as Madrid pursue third defensive signing

With Konaté and Dumfries already confirmed as done deals, Madrid are now pursuing a third defensive reinforcement. Romano reports that both Calafiori and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol are among the most appreciated profiles at the club, though both are described as complicated operations.

Calafiori’s potential departure from Arsenal would represent a major blow for Mikel Arteta, with the Italy international having established himself as one of the Premier League’s most impressive left-sided defenders since joining from Bologna in 2024.

A move to the Bernabeu would also represent a significant statement of intent from Perez, who appears determined to rebuild Madrid’s defensive options comprehensively following the exits of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger.

Whether Arsenal would entertain offers for a player considered central to their title ambitions remains another matter entirely.