Real Madrid Target Calafiori As Top Clubs Eye January Moves

European giants look at Premier League stars

Real Madrid are monitoring Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori as a main target to strengthen their left back position. Initial inquiries have already been made for a potential move in the summer of 2027. Arsenal would require a substantial transfer fee to consider letting him go.

Arsenal are active in the market as well. The Gunners, Paris Saint Germain, and Bayern Munich are looking at Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi for a January transfer. Bournemouth are reluctant to sell the 20 year old mid season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also keeping an eye on Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz to boost his attack.

Midfielders and defenders on the radar

Manchester United watched Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy during a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich. The 30 year old scored his eighth goal of the season in that game. United are also tracking Dortmund players Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, and Daniel Svensson.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is widely expected to leave next summer. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United continue to track the 22 year old as he nears the final two years of his contract. A deal is expected to cost around 80 million pounds.

Barcelona are interested in 18 year old Estoril defender Jordan Arnolin along with Brighton. Meanwhile, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has no plans to let 22 year old midfielder Gavi leave, seeing him as an important part of his future plans despite limited starts this season.

More news across the continent

Liverpool want to start contract extension talks with 35 year old defender Virgil van Dijk before his current deal ends next June. RB Leipzig might let winger Johan Bakayoko leave in January for an offer worth 12 million euros. Lazio are close to extending winger Gustav Isaksen through the summer of 2031.

Manchester United are pushing to sign VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper Dennis Seimen. They also hold interest in Como defender Jacobo Ramon alongside Chelsea, though Real Madrid have a clause to bring Ramon back to Spain. PSG could challenge United for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios. Benfica want Boca Juniors defender Lautaro Di Lollo, and Atletico Madrid have started moves for Almeria midfielder Stefan Dzodic.

What it means for the next game

AEK Athens vs Real Madrid (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): AEK Athens win 22%, draw 22%, Real Madrid win 57%; expected goals 1.28 to 2.14. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Slavia Prague vs Arsenal (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): Slavia Prague win 10%, draw 17%, Arsenal win 73%; expected goals 0.85 to 2.49. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.