Arsenal is looking to strengthen its squad with Mikel Arteta’s led team seeming highly interested in Riccardo Calafiori.
The deal of Riccardo Calafiori moving to Arsenal is long-awaited now. Ever since the opening of the transfer window, the Gunners seem to be in line for the Italian star defender.
According to the latest report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Calafiori has given the Emirates a ‘green light’. Reportedly, the latter is ‘really excited’ about playing under Mikel Arteta.
There is no surprise that Arsenal shows concrete interest in signing Riccardo Calafiori. The Bologna defender is left footed hot topic of the market right now capable of playing both the central defender and the left-back position. This makes him great for the use of different mixes of things by Arteta.
The Gunners had one of the best if not the best defensive line last term. The side will definitely be looking to use it to their advantage as much as possible.
Meanwhile, Italy – the defending champions ended their challenge in Euros 2024 getting knocked out in the Round of 16 only. This means that the Bologna defender can now worry and think about his future.
The 22-year-old joined the Serie A side Bologna last season only. His “sensational” performance with the side got him his national call and now the star defender eyes a big move to the Premier League.
Further, Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori confirmed that Calafiori won’t be staying in Italy.
Arsenal ‘convinced’ they have Riccardo Calafiori
Writing an article on Friday, journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested that the Gunners have ‘convinced’ Calafiori and only confirmation by Bologna remains:
“Talking about Italian players, let me say that in the last 24 hours, Arsenal made contact on the club side for Riccardo Calafiori.
“Talks are now ongoing but we are still waiting for an official bid, still waiting for the club-to-club agreement.
“The player gave a green light to Arsenal in terms of contract, and is really excited by the possibility of working under Mikel Arteta.
“He’s considered a proper, proper talent for the left-back or centre-back position, he can cover both of them.
“Arsenal are really convinced that they have an agreement almost ready on the player side. But are still waiting to reach agreement with Bologna. I told you that the relationship with Bologna is very good, and they want something around €50m/€55m.”
Calafiori joined the Bologna side transferring from Basel just last season. In just one season, the star defender has showcased incredible skills as a defender:
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.
The Gunners find a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale
As the signing of David Raya was confirmed, the future of Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal is somewhat under speculation.
The latter is among the seven players that are allowed to leave this summer. They all seemed to struggle last season to play under Mikel Arteta. Ramsdale will surely be the lookout for other teams as the first-choice-goal-stopper.
Regardless, the Gunners might already have his replacement in their hands. Joan Garcia, the Spanish goalkeeper will reportedly sign for the Gunners soon.
Read more: givemesport
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
