Juventus director says Arsenal did something this summer that made him very ‘sad’

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Arsenal had a very good summer transfer window.

Yes, complaints about not signing a new striker are still there, but Edu Gaspar completed five different signings – David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino on permanent deals and Raheem Sterling and Neto on loan.

That, in our opinion, is a window that deserves praise, and we are convinced that all the new signings will play a big role at Arsenal this season.

Italian giants Juventus had a good window themselves, but there is something that Arsenal did that hurt them.

Juventus director issues verdict on Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori was a wanted man in the summer transfer window.

The Italian had a fantastic season with Bologna in the Serie A and he continued his form into Euro 2024, where he was brilliant for the Azzurri.

A number of clubs in England and abroad were keen to sign Calafiori in the summer.

Juventus were one of them, and some Arsenal fans were worried that there could be a repeat of the Manuel Locatelli saga from a few years ago.

However, Edu Gaspar took his time with negotiations and managed to seal a deal. Calafiori joined Arsenal in July and Gooners love him already.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was asked about Calafiori, and he admitted that he’s really ‘sad’ that Arsenal beat his side to the player’s signature in the summer.

Giuntoli told Corriere della Serra, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X: “It’s sad not being able to keep Riccardo Calafiori in Serie A.

“It’s bad news not just for us as we wanted Calafiori, but also for the league.”

Calafiori has already shown three incredible traits at Arsenal

Calafiori seemed like the perfect fit for Arsenal when they signed him, and he hasn’t disappointed so far.

The Italian has had to wait for his chance, and an injury while on international duty with Italy slowed things down a bit as well.

However, Calafiori has started each of Arsenal’s last two games, and he has been brilliant. He has shown three incredible traits already in the famous red and white:

• Aggressiveness: Calafiori has shown that he is fearless while going into tackles. He is very aggressive with his defending and can get under opposition players’ skin as well – he wound up three Aston Villa players within 10 minutes of his debut.
• Versatility: Mikel Arteta loves versatile players and Calafiori checks that box. The Italian played at left-back against Manchester City and was then deployed as a centre-half against Bolton. He was brilliant in both games.
• Goalscoring: Defenders aren’t really expected to score goals, but Calafiori showed his ability with his left foot with a stunner against Manchester City. He isn’t scared to shoot from distance, and this adds a new dimension to Arsenal’s game.