Calafiori or Gvardiol: the options for Real Madrid’s left back spot

Real Madrid’s new project under Mourinho continues to take shape. After signing Konaté to strengthen the centre of defence and Dumfries for the right-back position, the club is now focusing its efforts on providing the coach with the left back he wants. At present, two names are under consideration: Croatian international Gvardiol of Manchester City, a story first reported by AS a few weeks ago, and Italian defender Calafiori of Arteta’s Arsenal.

Mourinho values the fact that both players can also operate as centre backs. The Portuguese coach wants a defence capable of seamlessly switching between a back four and a back three during matches. He also believes the two right backs already in the squad are highly attack-minded. As a result, he is looking for a left back with a much more defensive profile to maintain the team’s balance. Ensuring Real Madrid remain well-balanced across all areas of the pitch is one of Mourinho’s main priorities.

In both cases, Real Madrid would need to negotiate with the players’ current clubs. Gvardiol is under contract with City until 2028 and has seen his status within the squad diminish in recent months, largely because of an injury he suffered. City paid approximately $98 million to Leipzig for the Croatian in 2023, and he has produced several outstanding performances since then. According to Transfermarkt, Gvardiol’s current market value stands at around $76 million. AS previously reported that the player had been offered to Real Madrid several weeks ago.

In the squad Mourinho inherited from Guardiola and now works with under Maresca’s structure, the Croatian is no longer viewed as an untouchable figure. The main reason is an unfortunate tibia fracture that sidelined him for several months and restricted him to just 18 Premier League appearances and five Champions League matches last season. Aware of both his quality and the interest from clubs such as Real Madrid, City have made a final attempt to renew his contract. However, the player is attracted by Madrid’s proposal and the opportunity to work under Mourinho.

The other candidate is Calafiori, Arsenal’s left back and an Italian international. His contract runs until 2029 and, according to Transfermarkt, he has a market value of approximately $60 million. Arsenal paid around $47 million to Bologna to sign him. The Italian has lost his place in Arteta’s preferred starting lineup to Hincapié, although he has still featured regularly this season, making 26 Premier League appearances and five in the Champions League. He started, for example, in the second leg of the semi-final against Atlético. He has also made two appearances in both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Calafiori is a player Mourinho has followed closely throughout his career. Notably, he came through Roma’s academy while Mourinho was coaching in the Italian capital, and the Portuguese manager gave him several opportunities at senior level. Without question, signing Calafiori would be significantly more realistic and less expensive than signing Gvardiol.

These are the two names Mourinho has approved as Real Madrid seek to strengthen the left-back position. Such a move would likely lead to Fran García’s departure, given that Carreras was one of the club’s marquee signings last summer, arriving in a deal worth approximately $55 million.

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