Riccardo Calafiori told why it will be ‘a disaster’ if he leaves Bologna for Arsenal

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Arsenal appear to be close to a deal to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, in a somewhat unexpected move.

Calafiori was exceptional for Bologna under Thiago Motta, helping his side finish fifth in Serie A to qualify for the Champions League.

He then excelled with Italy at Euro 2024 despite their disappointing campaign overall, and Arsenal look set to beat Chelsea and Juventus to his signature.

Arsenal have lost out on Serie A targets Dusan Vlahovic and Manuel Locatelli to Juventus in the past, and this deal to sign one of the league’s most promising talents has caused furore in Italy.

Former Serie A director slams Riccardo Calafiori’s proposed move to Arsenal

Speaking to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, former Serie A director Walter Sabatini slammed Calafiori’s move to Arsenal, claiming that the Italian top-flight losing such a talented player is a bad sign for the future.

“It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league. €45 million (£38m) as a valuation is a huge sum but the defenders are paid even more. I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game,” he stated.

“Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran forty meters, took on the defence and passed the ball.

“These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do.”

Arsenal should be encouraged by Sabatini comments on Calafiori

Calafiori is clearly highly rated in Italy, and Sabatini has highlighted the outstanding talent he will bring to Arsenal if a move is completed.

Bologna will already be frustrated that they lost manager Thiago Motta to Juventus, and have conceded that some of their top players may end up departing.

Serie A’s loss is Arsenal’s gain though. In Calafiori, they could be landing a technically gifted and physically strong defender, who can excel in multiple positions, and serve as both an immediate upgrade as well as a long-term option in the back line.