Florentino Perez has reportedly promised incoming manager Jose Mourinho the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, valued at €115 million (£100m/$133.5m), should he be re-elected as Real Madrid president on June 7th. This pledge is seen as a key component of Perez’s campaign, intended to secure his victory against opponent Riquelme.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Perez is leveraging the potential signing of Vitinha – who finished third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting and was a key player in PSG’s recent Champions League successes – as a ‘trump card’ in the election. PSG reportedly have a release clause of €115million for the player, making a transfer feasible. Cadena SER’s Pacojó Delgado suggested that securing Vitinha would be a “knockout blow” for Perez’s campaign, given his agent Jorge Mendes’s influence.
In addition to pursuing Vitinha, Real Madrid are also reportedly in contact with Arsenal regarding a move for left-back Riccardo Calafiori. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Madrid have made initial inquiries about the Italian defender, citing a need to strengthen both the centre-back and left-back positions, particularly given Ferland Mendy’s injury history. While Calafiori is considered a ‘very important player’ for Arsenal, Romano confirmed that contact has been made with his representatives.
The club is also set to sign Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract, and Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, as part of a defensive overhaul. Romano dismissed suggestions of a move for Josko Gvardiol, stating that Manchester City view the Croatian as a crucial player.
Meanwhile, a separate incident has seen Manchester City consider legal action after a Real Madrid presidential candidate, Riquelme, displayed a Real Madrid shirt with Erling Haaland’s name on the back as part of his campaign promises. Riquelme claimed he could secure the signings of Haaland and Rodri, but City have refuted these claims and are considering legal recourse for the unauthorized use of Haaland’s image.
