Fabrizio Romano has revealed what Mikel Arteta actually thinks of rumoured Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori.
The 22-year-old defender is reportedly closing in on a move to north London, with Arsenal expected to beat the likes of Chelsea and Juventus to Calafiori, who this summer has exploded into the mainstream football scene after his performances for Italy at Euro 2024.
Having enjoyed a historic club season with Bologna in which Thiago Motta led the Emilia-Romagna-based side to a UEFA Champions League finish, Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori is seemingly built on more than just Euros hype.
And Romano has now shared what Arteta thinks of Calafiori ahead of the defender’s likely move to Arsenal.
Arteta ‘a big fan’ of Calafiori ahead of Arsenal move
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Arteta is an admirer of Calafiori, coming in as a left-sided centre-back capable of playing at left-back fills a void in the Arsenal squad the Basque coach was looking to occupy.
Romano said when talking about Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori and what Arteta thinks of the Bologna defender: “Chelsea are still there but Arsenal are the favourites at this moment, Mikel Arteta has already approved the player.
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“Arsenal have a shortlist with three names for that position [left-footed defender] playing at left-back or centre-back, Calafiori is exactly what Arsenal need in that position and they want to bring in in the summer transfer window. Now, waiting for the next step. So, something between the two clubs, Arsenal and Bologna. This is the crucial step, this is the crucial point.
“For sure, Riccardo Calafiori gives his green light to Arsenal because he also knows Juventus are almost no longer in the race. And with the green light of Mikel Arteta, who is a big fan of Calafiori and keen on bringing him to the club. Now, it’s on the clubs.”
Arsenal could have the best defence in the Premier League next season
Many Arsenal fans would argue that a top-class defender isn’t exactly the first thing that needed addressing this summer, yet these same supporters probably thought the same when Kai Havertz was brought in last year as the first signing of the window.
Calafiori has shown this summer with Italy and throughout the year with Bologna that he is a potential superstar in the making, with the left-side of Arsenal’s defence in need of depth both centrally and out at fullback.
And with Arteta sold on the 22-year-old, there’s a real chance that this could be another exceptional Arsenal signing in the making, with Calafiori ticking a lot of boxes for the Gunners this symmer.
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