Arsenal could be about to repeat Declan Rice transfer masterclass, and it’s all because of Arteta

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Arsenal could reportedly pull off their first signing of the summer this week based on a transfer masterclass Mikel Arteta used to land Declan Rice.

The beginning of July is often viewed by many as the true start of the summer transfer window, with this summer’s Euros meaning that top clubs from Europe have been hanging off from making their major moves with the competition in Germany ongoing.

With the quarter-finals of the tournament on the horizon and the final taking place in over a week, now is a good time for the likes of Arsenal to striker in the market, with the Gunners set for another big window this year.

And Arteta has seemingly settled on his first signing of the summer window for Arsenal.

Arsenal closing in on Riccardo Calafiori after Arteta pitch

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal are in pole position to land Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, with the Italian international now convinced on a move to north London after being pitched the project by Arteta.

With the Basque coach using a similar method to convince Rice to join Arsenal last summer over Manchester City, it appears that the tactic could be about to pull off yet another top deal in Calafiori.

A player who Jorginho reportedly told Arteta to sign, the 22-year-old defender has been one of the breakout names this summer after his impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024, with the centre-back also shining for Bologna in Serie A.

And with Arteta and Arsenal in pole position for Calafiori, it might not take long before a deal is officially announced, where the Italian could become the Gunners’ first signing of the summer.

Calafiori can open up Arsenal’s defence even more on the left-hand side

Arsenal’s backline was one of the best in the Premier League last season, yet even the most tribal of supporters would acknowledge that the left-hand side of the defence could do with a more dynamic threat.

With four players operating in the left-back position throughout the season, adding Calafiori to the mix could zone in on what Arteta is planning to do with Arsenal, even with Jurrien Timber fully returning from injury.

Indeed, Calafiori’s signing will be an exciting one if Arsenal can get the deal completed, yet it could also cause more questions than answers given how stocked the Gunners will now be in the position.