For their defense, Arsenal is considering Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna. Mikel Arteta is hoping to break the club’s Premier League championship drought by adding players to the roster. Calafiori is the kind of flexible player that Arsenal is looking for.
Since leaving AS Roma for FC Basel in 2022, 22-year-old Calafiori has made remarkable strides. His spectacular play there earned him a summer return to Serie A with Bologna. In his first year with Bologna, he made 33 appearances and had a hand in seven goals. Though he also saw action as a left fullback, his strong suit was in the middle of defense.
Arsenal Express More Interest To Sign This Defender
After his impressive achievements for Italy at Euro 2024, his reputation took a further leap. Although other top teams have shown interest, Arsenal’s stance stands out as the most serious outside of Italy. They are keen to strike a deal with Bologna and have been keeping a tight eye on him.
Even if his defense is solid, Arteta would want to see more depth and a second left back option. The flexibility of Calafiori makes him a desirable acquisition. Technical director Sartori of Bologna took note of Calafiori’s skill and dropped hints that the club would be open to selling if the right offer comes along. Premier League teams may be able to entice him as Juventus is not necessarily a probable destination.
In order to get Calafiori to North London, Arsenal must win him over. Since the youngster seems keen on continuing his development in Italy, Arsenal will need to make a strong argument to convince him to stay. Calafiori has the potential to be an integral part of Arteta’s plan to strengthen the defense and finally win the Premier League if they are successful.
More news:
Arsenal has shown a lot of interest in Jules Kounde, and Barcelona is thinking about selling him because of their financial problems. Ronald Araujo’s future at Barça is a key factor in their choice. Kounde is one of the players whom Barça may have to trade this summer in order to solve their financial problems. Arsenal, the club owned by Mikel Arteta, is among others that have taken notice of his play.
According to SPORT, if Araujo remains, Barcelona could think about selling Kounde to Arsenal. Kounde is worth at least €60 million to the club. Arsenal has already made an inquiry, and if Araujo stays, Barça will begin discussions with them. One of the main reasons Barcelona made this move was to drastically lower their payroll expense by selling Kounde.
While Barça works to address Araujo’s predicament, they have requested Arsenal to be patient. As a backup plan in case the Kounde trade falls through, Arsenal has also been associated with Riccardo Calafiori. Kounde is presently competing at Euro 2024 for France. He made 48 appearances for Barcelona in the 2023–24 season, and he had a goal and four assist total. In a replay of the Euro 2016 final, France will take on Portugal in the quarterfinals, thanks in large part to his outstanding play for the national team.
