PREMIER LEAGUE

Walter Sabatini not happy with Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal move

The decision of Riccardo Calafiori to move to Arsenal is progressing forward which makes Walter Sabatini unhappy.

Serie A sporting director Walter Sabatini is anything but happy with Riccardo Calafiori’s decision to move to the Premier League. The latter is leaving his Serie A club Bologna to join the Gunners.

The move to Arsenal is progressing closer to completion every day. The side is front runners among other teams like Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, and Juventus to get the services of the Italian defender. However, Sabatini has called this move a ‘disaster’.

The former Italian Footballer isn’t happy with the proposed move of Calafiori leaving Italy. Speaking to Radio Sportiva about the possibility of Serie A losing a player like him, the Director said:

“It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league. €45 million as a valuation is a huge sum but the defenders are paid even more. I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game.

“Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia. He came out with the ball at his feet, ran forty meters, took on the defense and passed the ball. These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do.”

Arteta’s Arsenal on the other will be very happy to welcome the starlet.

Arsenal shows ‘the concrete interest’ in Riccardo Calafiori

Journalist Di Marzio has indicated that a move to Arsenal might be possible claiming the Gunners to be having ‘most concrete interest’ in signing the Italian.

Arsenal are front runners among the other competitors in line. Moreover, given the prospect of his talent and the scenario of him playing alongside William Saliba, Arsenal should try to secure this deal. The fee is believed to be £40m but can be much higher.

Lastly, yes a player like him leaving Serie A can be disappointing for the league and Italy itself. However, joining a more competitive league like the Premier League with a club like Arsenal will only help the Italian to grow more. That’s what happened with the likes of Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario. Both showing their talent at Tottenham ultimately helped the Italian team only.

For sure, Italy is losing a gem of a player. But, it is the responsibility of the Italian league to make such financial models that support their players well and keep them where they are that is in Serie A.

Why are they so interested in Calafiori?

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.

Source: getfootballnewsitaly.com

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