Arsenal can’t ‘realistically’ sign £52m target this summer due to Riccardo Calafiori transfer

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Arsenal are now set to miss out on the chance to sign one Euro 2024 star as Mikel Arteta has chosen to focus on signing Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal are keen to bolster their defensive unit in this summer transfer window. 

Mikel Arteta is looking to add to his back line ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal are now working on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender impressed at Euro 2024 this summer, and would offer cover as both a left-back and a centre-back at the Emirates Stadium.

However, space will have to be made in Arteta’s squad to accommodate the Bologna man’s arrival. Jakub Kiwior could leave Arsenal this summer, amid interest in his services from a number of Serie A clubs. The Poland international’s departure would create room for Calafiori in the Gunners’ ranks. 

Arteta’s decision to focus his efforts on securing Calafiori’s services has had consequences, though. Due to Arsenal’s focus on the 22-year-old, it means that they are now set to miss out on another potential defensive acquisition.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal won’t land Jules Kounde as Riccardo Calafiori becomes top target

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in signing Jules Kounde this summer, with the Barcelona ace thought to be available for £52 million.

However, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, writing in his Daily Briefing: “Arsenal are currently focused on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, and are willing to close a deal for him for around €50m, hence Kounde is not a name that is being realistically considered at the moment for the Gunners.”

There is no need for Arsenal to seek to sign both Calafiori and Kounde. Whilst Kounde is undoubtedly a brilliant player, and has impressed for France at Euro 2024, his profile does not suit the Gunners’ needs. He can play as either a centre-back or right-back, and is not an option that Arteta needs as he already has Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu at his disposal. 

As the Italian is left-footed though, Calafiori represents a more appropriate target. If Kiwior leaves, then Gabriel Magalhaes will be the only left-footed centre-back left at the club. He also arguably offers a more rounded presence at left-back than Oleksandr Zinchenko too.