Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasised the importance of a defensive mindset among his players, a quality that Euro 2024 standout Riccardo Calafiori embodies. The Italian defender has garnered attention from top Premier League clubs with his composed performances at the heart of Italy’s defence.
Arsenal, mindful of the need for strong defensive reinforcements after William Saliba’s untimely injury in the 2022/23 season, have emerged as the front-runners to sign Calafiori. Valued at £42 million, Calafiori fits the defensive prototype Arteta desires for his squad.
In an interview with Sky Sports in March, Arteta stated, “The key is that everybody goes 100 miles per hour for every ball. Our strikers, our wingers, our attacking midfielders, they have a love for defending. Installing that within the players is something really important.”
Calafiori’s passion and dedication to defending align perfectly with Arteta’s philosophy, suggesting that the Italian’s mindset would seamlessly integrate into the Arsenal squad.
Reports indicate that Calafiori could become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. His arrival might also signal the departure of another first-team defender.
Bologna had initially expressed a desire to retain their star defender, with technical director Giovanni Sartori telling Sky Sports Italia, “There is talk of Juventus but also of many other teams. At this moment, we will try to keep him. If important offers were to arrive, we would have to think about it.
“I am not saying that we will sell him because the president has said that he wants to keep the whole team, but we will certainly make some evaluations. I do not think he will go to Juventus; he will probably go in a different transfer window, but I repeat that we would like to try to keep him.”
However, it is now reported that Calafiori is “obsessed” with a move to Arsenal. The defender admires Arteta and is keen to join the project currently developing at the Emirates.
According to Fabrizio Romano, there are no obstacles on the player’s side regarding a transfer, with only the fee’s details remaining to be finalised. Despite Bologna’s desire to keep the defender, it appears he is set to leave.
The mutual interest between Calafiori and Arteta is clear. The Italian defender, who fits Arsenal’s criteria, could soon become a Gunner, with hopes of joining the team on their preseason tour of the USA.
