Real Madrid line up Riccardo Calafiori despite what Jose Mourinho has previously said

Jose Mourinho looks to have changed his mind on the capabilities of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, judging by his past comments.

According to Sky Sports, Real Madrid want to explore whether the Gunners would sell Calafiori this summer.

Calafiori worked under Mourinho during his time at Serie A club Roma, where he began his career.

The 24-year-old has since moved to Arsenal, in-between spells at Genoa, Basel, and Bologna, helping the north London club win their first Premier League title in 22 years, but he is not a guaranteed starter under manager Mikel Arteta.

Calafiori faces tough competition for a place in Arteta's starting line-up from Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal are expected to sell a first team star this summer in order to facilitate new signings, with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and White having so far been linked with leaving the club.

Jose Mourinho fails to show trust in Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori was behind Leonardo Spinazzola in the pecking order when Mourinho was appointed Roma manager in 2021.

In his inaugural press conference as Roma boss, Mourinho said he had "faith" in Calafiori to deputise for Spinazzola, who was injured at the time.

However, Mourinho believed that Calafiori was among members of his squad not good enough to get into his starting XI following a 6-1 defeat against Bodo/Glimt in 2021, in a game which the Italian started.

In his post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "Their first team is better than our second string. The side with the most quality won the game... Evidently, I must keep playing the same guys every game and take them to the limits of exhaustion."

Asked if Calafiori's confidence could be dented by the defeat, Mourinho added: "No, the problem is of quality... Perhaps I over-estimated the capabilities of my own players... It seemed like [Ola] Solbakken was on a MotoGP bike and our defenders were on a bicycle."

Mourinho sent Calafiori out on loan to Genoa, and the Portuguese boss rarely selected the defender again.

Sources previously told Football Insider that Arsenal were not going to entertain offers for Calafiori this summer, with Inter Milan having also registered their interest.

Mikel Arteta can't afford Riccardo Calafiori departure

Timber's latest injury blow could have an impact on whether Arsenal allow Calafiori to depart this summer.

Calafiori is sure to be tempted to move to Real Madrid, but Timber will now miss the World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury sustained against Everton in March.

Meanwhile, the Toffees are exploring a move for White, which is further proof why Arteta may be reluctant to let Calaifori leave this summer.

White wants to be guaranteed playing time at Emirates Stadium, or he could be willing to leave the club.