With EURO 2024 in full swing in Germany, the summer transfer window so far has seen somewhat of a delicate approach from Arsenal, with much of the work behind the scenes being kept intensely behind closed doors.
However, it seems like the transfer window fever is beginning to hit London Colney as the first real concrete links are beginning to come out. And the name being discussed currently is Bolonga defender Riccardo Calafiori. According to reliable reports, Arsenal are very interested in the Italian and are preparing an offer to Bologna, as well as attempting to agree personal terms with Calafiori himself.
It’s easy to see why Mikel Arteta is seemingly so keen to bring the 22 year-old to North London. As we know, the Spaniard loves versatility, an attribute that has been starkinly clear in the previous signings made under his watch. Calafiori’s ability to play as both a centre-back and as a left-back will surely be something which Arteta would find useful. Arsenal’s struggled with the left-back position in the 23/24 season, with Oleksandr Zinchenko out of form and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber missing vast portions of the campaign with injury, meaning an opening could be there for Calafiori in the starting eleven at left-back if he was to make the move to Emirates Stadium. Whilst also acting as cover at centre-back in case of an injury to Gabriel or William Saliba.
Calafiori stocks have risen majorly in the past weeks, with the young defender proving one of the few bright sparks in a very uninspiring and disappointing Euros campaign as Italy exited at the round-of-16 stage. However, Calafiori won many praise for his performances at the heart of the Italy defence. But it’s not just in Germany where he has impressed. Calafiori has enjoyed a very impressive 23/24 season both individually and collectively as the defender played a major part in Thiago Motta’s Bolgona qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
The signing won’t be an easy one to pull off, with Chelsea and Juventus also seemingly in the race for Calafiori. Bologna will be demanding a fee of around £45 million, so time will tell whether Arsenal will be willing to meet the demands of the Italian side and bring Calafiori to North London.