A round-up of the latest Arsenal news including Ian Wright’s reason for Saka comments, transfer updates on a Manchester City target and the latest on Riccardo Calafiori.
The reason Ian Wright made controversial Saka comments
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has responded to criticism from some fans after his latest comments surrounding Bukayo Saka’s position in the England team, who face Netherlands in tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Wright highlighted some of the comments he got from Arsenal fans after his claim that Saka should play in defence.
“If we’re going to be totally honest about him and his levels for England the last two years, I suppose why it went all crazy when about him playing on the left side, the only reason I’m saying that is because you’re looking for a solution to a problem that the manager’s causing in not bringing a back-up left-back.
“And I totally understood Arsenal fans and the way that they kind of came in and said ‘how can you say that?’ The only reason I said it is because he’s capable. In one game he played in three different positions. They feel these Arsenal fans and, well, that they have to protect him because he means so much to Arsenal fans,” Wright argued.
The topic has divided the fan base, but many feel the comments have been vindicated after Saka’s heroics against Switzerland. Worth taking with a pinch of salt, given he has also recently addressed why he finds it so difficult to be a pundit discussing Saka given how close he has been with him.
Read more on Ian Wright’s comments on Saka here.
Arsenal make enquiry for Man City target Andriy Lunin
According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Arsenal have now “enquired” about the availability of Andriy Lunin, with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool all also having made contact with Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola is thought to be angling for a move as his goalkeeping replacement for Saudi-bound Ederson and the Lunin is open to a move to England.
The Dan Bentley deal seems likely as it would satisfy the homegrown quota, but the Arsenal board have also registered an interest in the Ukrainian international as another option after his Euro 2024 exploits.
Making 31 appearances in Thibaut Courtois’ absence last campaign, the European champions won’t want to see the 25-year-old leave the club.
Their hands may be tied, however, with 12 months remaining on his contract as talks are ongoing on their current offer. With Aaron Ramsdale expected to leave the Gunners, he could be perfect competition for David Raya.
However, it is thought that Lunin is prioritising first-team football at this stage in his career, something that Arteta can’t promise after Raya won the Golden Glove in his first season.
Read more on Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin here.
Arteta must convince the board ahead of Calafiori signing
It had been reported in recent days that a deal for the Italian international Riccardo Calafiori was imminent, however according to transfer expert David Ornstein, reporting in The Athletic, Arteta is still pushing internally to convince the club to invest a reported £42.2 million fee in the left-sided defender.
The reporter said: “Arteta is a big fan of Calafiori’s and the Bologna player is his primary defensive target as Arsenal look to strengthen what was already the Premier League’s meanest back line last season.
“With Italy now out of the Euros and Arteta and some of the players back from their summer holidays, the manager will hope to press ahead with the signing, though he may need to convince others within the club that the deal represents good business.”
It is likely now that the Italian will end up at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal have fought off competition from high-profile clubs to be first in line for a deal with the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko uncertain.
Defensive strategy is a key cog in the Arteta machine and with two of the world’s best defenders in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes flanked by Ben White and Calafiori, Arsenal will be set for another title challenge.
READ MORE: Two key reasons why Riccardo Calafiori is ‘in love’ with joining Arsenal
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