English Club Arsenal seems to have a ‘concrete’ interest in signing the Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer.
Serie A defender and Italian National team player Riccardo Calafiori might be moving out of Italy. This move could come in thanks to Arsenal’s avid interest in signing the Bologna defender this summer.
The 22-year-old managed the defensive line of the Serie A side brilliantly helping them to qualify for the Champions League. His performance in the Euros 2024 was also commendable. This certainly has attracted the attention of Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal side.
Regardless of how much the Serie A club would want to keep the defender, the possibility of Calafiori moving out this summer has increased. Citing this Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori while speaking to Sky Sports Italy clearly stated that they could not afford Riccardo Calafiori going to their rivals Juventus. This means that the Italian might be leaving the country to play in another league.
Journalist Di Marzio has now indicated that a move to Arsenal might be possible claiming the Gunners to be having ‘most concrete interest’ in signing the Italian.
Kiwior replacement for Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori has made huge impressions with Bologna since his move from Basel last summer.
The 22-year-old went on to build an incredible duo with center-back Jhon Lucumi for Bologna. The Italian also appeared on the left back for a few games for the Serie A club.
His creativity and style could be prime reasons for Arsenal wanting to sign the defender. The Emirates seem to be eying a unique left-foot defender to replace Jakub Kiwior. Calafiori would definitely be a great purchase for them.
For Bologna, Calafiori made a total of 37 appearances last season. In which he scored a total of two goals providing five assists in the process with a passing accuracy of 90%.
He also registered an impressive 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, and 2.5 clearances per league game. Moreover, the Italian made on average 6.5 ball recoveries and gave outstanding aerial challenges winning 71% of his aerial duels during his time in Serie A.
On the contrary, Kiwior seemed vulnerable in his stats as a defender. With just 59% win in aerial duels and 1.8 ball recoveries, he seemed attackable in front of a direct runner. He completed 85% of the passes last term.
Arsenal could secure Calafiori £34 million recovering a part of this fee through Kiwior.
Many other clubs seem to be after the Italian defender and his own team yet to let him go makes it not so easy for the Gunners to secure this brilliant talent. However, the skills of Mikel Arteta might play a part in securing the 22-year-old for Arsenal.
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