Arsenal are now said to have struck a deal with one Euro 2024 star which could bring them to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defensive contingent at Arsenal in this summer transfer window.
Arsenal want to add a left-back to their ranks this summer. However, in order to do so, Arteta will surely need to make space for a new arrival by offloading some of his current players.
Jakub Kiwior could make way to create a new vacancy at Arsenal. Meanwhile, the Gunners are also open to offers for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
As well as needing another option at left-back, there is an argument that the North London club could do with additional cover in the central areas of their rearguard. This will certainly be the case if Kiwior does indeed depart.
Arteta is now looking to bring Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal, who would solve two problems at once for the Spanish coach, as he can comfortably slot in at both left-back and centre-back.
Arsenal reach agreement with Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has seen his stock rise dramatically in recent weeks, as he impressed for Italy at Euro 2024. Whilst the nation had a poor tournament overall, the 22-year-old was still able to stand out with his progressive play and action-packed performances.
Now, according to journalist Nicolo Schira, reporting on X, Arsenal have reached an “agreement in principle” with the Bologna ace.
The 5-cap international is seemingly willing to join the Gunners on a five-year deal, worth around £3 million-per-year in wages.
The Gunners still need to strike a deal with Bologna over a transfer fee before they can make the player their own.
What signing Calafiori would mean for Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal
His arrival in North London would likely spell the end of Kiwior’s time at the club, and would also mean serious competition for game time for the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber.
What’s more, whilst Calafiori represents a reliable option at left-back, he will be targeting making one of the Arsenal centre-back berths his own. As a left-footer, he will be going head-to-head with Gabriel Magalhaes for his place in the starting XI.
Given his age, Calafiori would likely adopt a rotational role in the Arsenal squad upon his arrival, and Arteta will then set about developing the defender into a player capable of becoming a star in the Premier League.
With his pace, aggression, and physicality, Calafiori certainly has all of the attributes required to become a favourite at Arsenal.
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