Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori has now been compared to Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos by one pundit.
Riccardo Calafiori could soon be an Arsenal player.
The Gunners have been working on this deal for some time, and there were delays in the process. Bologna and Basel’s negotiations over a sell-on clause have slowed Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori.
However, that waiting now looks set to come to an end. Arsenal have agreed a deal for Calafiori, and it now seems to be a matter of time for before the Italian defender is officially announced as the latest addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The 22-year-old will certainly represent an exciting signing. He impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 this summer, and looks to have all the attributes needed to shine in the Premier League and within Arteta’s style of play.
The Bologna ace is a versatile and modern defender. Able to slot in comfortably at left-back as well as in the heart of the rearguard, he is supremely confident and composed on the ball, possesses impressive attacking instincts, boasts real pace, and is physically dominant in his duels.
It is easy to see why Arteta has pushed for the signing of Calafiori, and the Spanish coach is not the only one to have recognised the 5-cap Italy international’s talents.
Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori likened to Sergio Ramos
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes that the Gunners are on the verge of signing a potential superstar.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the 61-year-old said: “He’s their [Italy] best defender… A fantastic addition to Arsenal. He’s got it all. He’s really composed, but he’s got a bit of [Sergio] Ramos in him, as well… He gets on the ball, he can find passes really easily, you can play him in a three or you can play him in a two. He’s really versatile, and I think he’s a great addition for Arsenal.”
To be compared to Sergio Ramos is high praise indeed, as the Spaniard was one of the great defenders of his generation. Calafiori does share some similarities with the Real Madrid icon, such as his versatility, attacking intent, and the aggression in his game, but he obviously has a long way to go before he can truly be compared to the 38-year-old.
Cascarino then added: “He will add pressure onto Gabriel and Saliba. They were tremendous for Arsenal last year, but that doesn’t mean it stops there. It means, we’re bringing in another one.”
Do William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have anything to fear if Arsenal sign Calafiori?
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were titanic figures at the back for the Gunners last season. The Arsenal duo were described as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League.
However, competition for places is never a bad thing, and Arteta will be constantly looking for ways to eradicate any chance of complacency setting in.
Of the two, Saliba has the least to fear from Calafiori’s arrival simply because, like Gabriel, the Italian is left-footed, making him a more natural cover option and potential replacement for the Brazilian.
In truth, though, in his first season at the Emirates Stadium at least, Calafiori is likely to get most of his game time at left-back and will only be considered a back up option at centre-back, as Arteta will be in no rush to break up his established partnership there.
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