Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has spoken openly about his desire to return to Roma one day. This has sparked new Arsenal transfer news ahead of the summer window. The 23-year-old Italy international appeared on Alessandro Cattelan’s Supernova podcast. CalcioMercato quoted his thoughts on the emotional pull his boyhood club still holds over him.

Calafiori Opens Up On Roma Return Wish As Arsenal Transfer News Surrounds His Future

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2024 following a breakout season in Serie A. He arrived at the Emirates with high expectations. Yet he admitted he still feels he has unfinished business in Rome.

“I’d like to return to Roma sometime. Obviously, it’s not like we can plan our careers now, but yes, I guess.”

“Also, because I left it half-done, it all started very well: goals, and I also had the chance to play a little more. Then, for various reasons, I first went on loan and then they sold me.” 

Roma sent him on a path through Basel and then Bologna. His steady performances there convinced Mikel Arteta to bring him to London. He played well early in the 2025/26 season. He showed real intelligence in Arsenal’s defensive setup. Lately, however, Calafiori has fallen out of Arteta’s main starting eleven.

A few things explain this change. Arsenal signed Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen in January. This move created much more competition for the left-side defence. A back injury in February also broke Calafiori’s momentum at a bad time. He has started 17 Premier League games this season. However, he stayed on the bench against Manchester United and Tottenham. Journalists have watched these absences closely as signs of his place in the team.

These Roma comments come at a tricky time. They add a new layer to the Arsenal transfer news regarding the club’s summer plans.

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Does Calafiori’s Declining Role Signal A Problem Arsenal Must Fix Before June?

At 23, Calafiori needs regular minutes to stay sharp for Italy. His honesty suggests he might be questioning his future in London. Rumours will grow before the summer window opens. This puts pressure on Arteta to make a choice. He must either use Calafiori more or prepare to sell a player the club might regret losing later.