Real Madrid targeting another left-footed defender after Alaba departure

Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal

Real Madrid‘s search for defensive reinforcements appears to be focused on a specific profile.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Los Blancos are interested in Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori and have already made contact with the Premier League club regarding the Italian international.

Calafiori fits a mold that Madrid are increasingly prioritizing: a left-footed defender capable of playing both center-back and left-back while providing progressive passing and comfort in possession.

He is not the only name on the club’s radar. Borussia Dortmund‘s Nico Schlotterbeck is also being monitored, with the German defender reportedly possessing a €50 million release clause. Manchester City‘s Joško Gvardiol remains another option, although he would likely represent the most expensive and difficult deal to complete.

The interest comes following David Alaba‘s departure and reflects Madrid’s desire to add another defender in the Dean Huijsen mold—a player comfortable defending wide spaces, progressing the ball, and offering tactical flexibility.

While Calafiori appears to be the most attainable target, Schlotterbeck and Gvardiol underline the type of defender Real Madrid are pursuing as they reshape the back line for the future.