How Mikel Arteta plans to use Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal this season has now been revealed as transfer nears completion.
Arsenal are now on the verge of signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners have been working on a deal for the Italian defender for some time. Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Calafiori and a fee with Bologna, and are now just waiting to be able to finally confirm the move.
It is easy to see why Mikel Arteta is keen to add the 22-year-old to his ranks at the Emirates Stadium. He impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 this summer, and has all the attributes required to fit neatly into the Spanish coach’s tactical setup.
Calafiori is a very modern defender, as well as being physically dominant, fast, and strong in duels, he also excels on the ball. He is comfortable taking possession of the ball in confined spaces, boasts eye-catching attacking instincts, and can pick a pass.
On top of all that, Calafiori is also versatile, and comfortable playing as both a left-back and a centre-back. This has raised questions as to where the Bologna man would fit into Arteta’s plans.
Where Riccardo Calafiori will play for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta
Whilst Arteta will appreciate, and likely make use of, Calafiori’s versatility, there is a specific role in the side that he has been earmarked for.
As reported by Football.London, Arsenal view Calafiori primarily as a left-back, which is an area of the pitch in which Arteta has encountered some recent issues.
Oleksandr Zinchenko slipped down the pecking order last season, whilst Jakub Kiwior has his limitations as a player in that role. Calafiori will hopefully come to represent a blend of the best of both of these players, if he can replicate Zinchenko’s quality in possession whilst also providing Kiwior’s physical presence.
Of course, Calafiori will also face further competition for game time in this position from Takehiro Tomiyasu.
What the arrival of Calafiori at Arsenal could mean for Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu has already endured a difficult start to pre-season, as he has picked up an injury, and has therefore been left behind to recover in North London, whilst Arteta has taken the rest of his squad on a tour of the US.
The Japanese defender has struggled with recurrent fitness issues throughout his Arsenal career so far, and may now find that Calafiori’s presence eats even further into his opportunities to play for the Gunners.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
