Riccardo Calafiori could end Thomas Partey’s stay at Arsenal with latest tactical admission

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Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has opened up about his role in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

It’s been a season of mixed emotions for Calafiori, who has experienced some highs and lows since joining Arsenal in the summer.

Calafiori returned from injury to make the bench in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb but, he did not feature.

Upon getting back into the squad, the versatile defender has opened up about his start to life in North London. 

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Riccardo Calafiori makes positional claim in Arsenal admission

Arteta had to convince his colleagues to sign Calafiori, who arrived at Arsenal from Bologna for a fee of £42m. 

There were concerns over the player’s injury record and his suitability to what the Arsenal squad needed at the time however, the man himself believes he’s well suited for one clear reason.

Arteta clearly wants versatility from his defenders, explaining why Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal career hasn’t worked out, with Calafiori expressing how versatile he can be.

“I have certainly made a name for myself as a centre-back but the coach also sees me as a left-back and I am here to become a top player, honestly,” the defender told journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. 

The Italy international continued to insist that he’s open to playing ‘another role’ other than his familiar central defensive and left-back tasks at the Emirates.

“I want to be at a high level in both roles, both as a centre-back and as a full-back and maybe even in another role! I am here to learn and I certainly think that the way we play, the role of full-back suits me very well.”

Calafiori’s admission will come as music to Arteta’s ears given that the manager is well stocked in defence, with the 22-year-old’s position in the starting XI not guaranteed despite his expensive summer transfer.

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How Calafiori could end Thomas Partey’s Arsenal career 

Arteta has urged Calafiori to earn his place amid the rise of Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been shining at left-back.

While the Italian enjoys playing on the left side of defence, his admission about being open to trying other roles could offer him a fresh lease of life.

The Italian could one day venture into midfield, which he does to some extent already by playing the inverted role.

The inverted role could also be executed by the left-footed defender on the right side of the back four, giving Arteta another option at right-back, which could damage one of Calafiori’s teammate’s futures. 

Arteta has had no luck playing Thomas Partey at right-back, as the Ghanaian has been the manager’s go-to for emergency cover in the position of late.

If Calafiori were to show his expertise on the opposite side of defence, there could be limited room for Partey in the near future, particularly as the squad is about to grow.

As Arsenal prepare to welcome Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, Partey’s value to the Gunners will drop considerably, being well-stocked in midfield and, at the back.

Given how poor the 31-year-old has been at right-back, Calafiori should see a viable opening for him in the position, which could give the Italian a bold opportunity to flex his versatility.