The left side of the Gunners’ defence is a problem yet to be solved. As the search for a specialist in that position continues, Arsenal have recently turned their attention towards Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.
Riccardo Calafiori Added to Arsenal Transfer Wishlist
The Solution to Gunners’ Left-Back Woes?
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, while speaking on The Here We Go podcast, revealed that Arsenal have been monitoring Calafiori. He said: “Bologna expect Premier League clubs to enter the race for Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal have an interest, it is not a negotiation, but interest is there.”
Mikel Arteta has not been satisfied with his current defensive choices at left-back. All the available players seem to be lacking different required traits: Zinchenko’s lack of defensive diligence, Kiwior’s lack of passing range, and Tomiyasu being a right-back by nature.
Read More: Three Things Arsenal Can Do Next Season To Tackle The Left-Back Conundrum
Arteta’s demands led him to Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. However, the youngster is determined to stay in the Netherlands for the time being. Now the Arsenal manager has set his sights on Calafiori. The left-footed star can feature as a left-back or as a centre-back.
The Italian was crucial to his country’s progression to the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. However, he missed his side’s knockout game with Switzerland due to a suspension and hence it was less of a surprise to see Italy crash out of the tournament.
Which Other Clubs Are Interested in Calafiori?
Juventus are Calafiori’s first-choice club. But Thiago Motta joining The Old Lady as the new manager, after refusing to renew his contract with Bologna, has the potential to play spoilsport in a transfer for the defender.
Read More: Three Positions That Arsenal Need To Prioritise In This Transfer Window
Fabrizio said: “He’s [Calafiori] a player who already gave the green light to a potential move, in this case to Juventus. But between Bologna & Juventus because of the Thiago Motta case, the relationship in this moment is not that easy. They won’t make Juventus’ life easy in the negotiations for Riccardo Calafiori.”
Chelsea are another club who could make a move for Calafiori.
