Arsenal is poised to sign Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a £42 million deal, pending a medical. The Gunners have reached an agreement in principle with the Serie A club, and Calafiori is expected to sign a long-term contract with the North London team. The 21-year-old defender can play both centre-back and left-back, offering versatility to Arsenal’s defensive line-up.
Calafiori Set for Arsenal Medical
Calafiori will undergo a medical examination before officially joining the Gunners. If the transfer is finalized in time, he could join Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in the United States. Sources reveal that Juventus, Real Madrid, and another Premier League club also showed interest in the Italian international, but Calafiori had his sights set on Arsenal and committed to joining them.
The move comes after Calafiori’s impressive performance with Bologna, which bought him from Swiss club Basel last summer for €4 million (£3.4 million). Basel is set to receive 50% of Bologna’s profit from this deal.
Where Calafiori Fits in at Arsenal
Calafiori’s addition to Arsenal raises questions about where he will fit into Mikel Arteta’s defensive scheme. Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, have been strong performers, making it challenging for Calafiori to secure a starting spot in central defense.
However, the left-back position is an area where Arsenal has struggled for consistency. Last season, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu rotated through the role without securing it permanently. Jurrien Timber, who started last season at left-back, is just returning from a serious knee injury. Calafiori may have the opportunity to establish himself as a left-back if the transfer goes through.
Arteta’s Focus on Defensive Strength
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal has made significant investments in strengthening its defense. Last season, the Gunners conceded just 29 goals, the fewest in the Premier League, and recorded 18 clean sheets. Arteta’s strategy of building the team from the back is evident in the club’s signings, with 18 out of 24 first-team acquisitions being goalkeepers, defenders, or defensive midfielders, totaling £488 million.
At £42 million, Calafiori will become Arsenal’s sixth-most expensive signing under Arteta. Of the top seven most costly transfers, five are defensive players, including the £105 million acquisition of Declan Rice. This reflects Arteta’s belief that championship-winning teams are built on strong defenses.
Calafiori’s potential arrival underscores Arteta’s commitment to solidifying Arsenal’s defensive foundation, aligning with the club’s strategic approach to securing a Premier League title.
Credit: Sky Sports
