£42m Arsenal star has already said he wants to play in midfield, Mikel Arteta should use him there after Thomas Partey’s suspension

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are preparing to play their final game before a massive Champions League semi-final against PSG.

Mikel Arteta’s side welcome in-form Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium with a chance to further secure second place in the Premier League.

Eddie Nketiah could hand Liverpool the title as the former Hale End star is set to start against the Gunners knowing that victory over his former club ends any title arguments.

Alan Shearer believes he knows Arteta’s team against PSG but with an opportunity to rotate in the league against Palace, the Gunners boss should look at one forgotten Arsenal star to replace Thomas Partey.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand predicts whether Arsenal will beat PSG in the Champions League and reach the final

Mikel Arteta should start Riccardo Calafiori in midfield against Crystal Palace

Given Partey’s unavailability for the Champions League semi-final first leg, Arteta faces a selection dilemma in the holding midfield role.

Jorginho is currently side lined with a rib injury picked up against Brentford and Mikel Merino has been effective in the ‘false nine’ role.

Riccardo Calafiori has been absent from the Gunners matchday squads since picking up a knee injury playing for Italy in the UEFA Nations League back in March.

Arteta hinted at Calafiori’s return for the clash with Crystal Palace and it could be an opportunity to use the Italian in an unfamiliar role.

With Myles Lewis-Skelly cementing his place at left back, Calafiori could be moved into a holding midfield role against Oliver Glasner’s side to get minutes under his belt and experiment with his ability in the position.

Riccardo Calafiori wants to learn midfield role at Arsenal

Calafiori wants to play midfield after already having learned a new role in North London at left back. As per the Rivista Undici e Cronache, the Italian international is keen to expand his versatility.

He stated: “There are many things I still can’t do. Among these is the desire to learn to play in as many roles as possible. For now, I feel I can do two, I would also like to learn a third: the midfielder. It’s a role that has always fascinated me.”

His physical presence and defensive mindset would be perfect attributes to sit in front of the back four and add solidity to Arteta’s side, whilst Calafiori also has the ability to pass through the lines.

It is has also been witnessed on a number of occasions this season that the Italian can drive through teams with the ball and take some stopping – a new role could be in the offing for the £42m signing.