Arsenal Transfer News Today: Riccardo Calafiori demand as 'dirty trick' revealed

Updated: 6 Jun 2026 16:51 BST | 4 min read

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal TNT — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

All the latest Arsenal transfer news in one place, including updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Emmanuel Mbemba and Julian Alvarez.

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Mourinho demands Calafiori

Jose Mourinho has requested that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori be made one of his first signings at Real Madrid, El Debate claims.

The legendary manager is poised to take over the Spanish giants if incumbent president Florentino Perez is re-elected in Sunday's election, with his current club, Benfica, having already confirmed Mourinho's impending move.

It is claimed that Mourinho has requested several signings, including that of Calafiori. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Real Madrid had already made "contact" with the Italian's camp several weeks ago.

Arsenal's "dirty" Mbemba trick

Arsenal are ready to pull a "dirty trick" on PSG by signing youth team captain Emmanuel Mbemba.

According to Le Parisien, the Gunners are exploring a deal for the left-sided centre-back, who is reportedly planning to turn down PSG's offer to sign a professional contract. Arsenal would likely look to loan him out if they were to secure his signature.

Foot Mercato describes this deal as a "dirty trick" because it is claimed that Arsenal could park Mbemba at PSG's next-door neighbours Paris FC if they were to manage to agree a deal for him.

Alvarez boost, but there's a problem

Arsenal are the "only realistic option" Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has left, according to Cadena SER.

Discussions between Atleti and Barcelona over a transfer for the Argentine are at a "complete standstill" following the former's "inflammatory" social media reaction to claims that the Catalans had made a €100 million bid.

This leaves Arsenal in pole position for his signing, but there is a major issue that would have to be overcome: Alvarez has no intention of returning to England after his Man City spell. Consequently, it is believed that he will stay at Atleti.

Arsenal prioritise Fernandes

Arsenal are prioritising a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, as per CaughtOffside.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali in recent days, but the report understands that the Italy international is just one of many options under consideration. Arsenal's preferred target is actually Fernandes, who could command a similar fee.

West Ham are said to be demanding north of €80m for the 21-year-old, though it remains to be seen how the resignation of joint-chair David Sullivan affects their transfer stance and summer business.

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