What Riccardo Calafiori ‘said’ to Chelsea revealed as Arsenal close in on ‘perfect’ £43m transfer

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Arsenal are working on a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, who would be the ideal signing for Mikel Arteta for one reason.

Arsenal want to strengthen their defensive unit in this summer transfer window. 

Whilst the Gunners boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, Mikel Arteta is clearly convinced that there is still an opportunity to upgrade in that part of the pitch. 

The Arsenal boss is said to have lost faith in Oleksandr Zinchenko, who for all of his technical ability certainly has his flaws as a defender. Jakub Kiwior could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer too, amid interest from a number of Serie A clubs. On top of that, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s persistent injury issues are another cause for concern.

Riccardo Calafiori is now a top target for the North London club. The Italian international impressed at Euro 2024 this summer, and would represent an exciting signing for Arsenal. 

Capable of playing at both left-back and in the heart of the rearguard, the 22-year-old would provide cover and competition in both of these areas, and he boasts all of the attributes required to thrive in the top flight of English football. 

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Calafiori, with details of the contract he has been offered having already come to light. However, the Gunners are yet to agree a fee for the player with Bologna, whilst Chelsea have also shown an interest in the player.

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

Riccardo Calafiori stance on Chelsea clear as Arsenal told why he would be suitable for them

Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has now had his say on why Calafiori would be such a good fit for Arsenal, and on where the player stands when it comes to choosing between a switch to the Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the reporter said: “If they [Arsenal] got Calafiori, they will get the perfect Premier League defender. He is the perfect defender for Arteta, for Guardiola, because he’s not only an Italian defender. You know Italian defenders, they only think to defend. No, he plays for the team and he’s modern.

“But he has a high price because Bologna wants £50 million [£43 million] plus bonus plus percentage and Arsenal is a bit less of the offer, but I think they will do the deal, yes. I think so, yeah, because he wants Arsenal.

“In his mind, there is only Arsenal. Even Chelsea tried to get him, but the player said, ‘No, I want Arsenal’. Because Arsenal is considered from the player and for his agents the perfect step for his career now.”

Arsenal fans will be hoping that sporting director Edu can strike a deal with Bologna before too long, as Arteta will surely be keen to work with Calafiori for as long as possible throughout pre-season, to help him acclimatise to life and football in England, as well as the manager’s own tactical demands and instructions.