Arsenal is reportedly eyeing an Italian addition to their backline, with Riccardo Calafiori on their radar. The 22-year-old center-back has been a revelation for Italy at Euro 2024, showcasing his talent alongside established names. With Bologna qualifying for the Champions League, Calafiori’s stock is rising, attracting interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal’s interest is particularly keen. Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, acknowledged the possibility of Calafiori’s departure, stating they would consider significant offers. Calafiori’s style, reminiscent of iconic Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, has drawn attention, and his performances at Euro 2024 have further enhanced his reputation.
Although he scored an own goal against Spain, he bounced back with a driving run and assist against Croatia, showcasing his resilience. However, breaking into Arsenal’s defense won’t be easy, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes forming a formidable partnership that conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season. Nonetheless, Calafiori’s talent is undeniable, and his potential transfer to Arsenal adds an intriguing dimension to their defensive options.
- Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori
- The 22-year-old impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 and had a breakthrough season with Bologna
- Arsenal’s interest is considered the most serious, according to Gianluca Di Marzio
- Calafiori’s style and performances have drawn comparisons to Italian defensive greats
- Breaking into Arsenal’s defense won’t be easy, with Saliba and Magalhaes forming a strong partnership
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 and had a standout season with Bologna
Arsenal is reportedly keen on bolstering their defensive ranks with the addition of Italian center-back Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for Italy at Euro 2024, and his impressive displays have caught the attention of several top clubs.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori is the most concrete among his suitors. Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, has acknowledged the possibility of Calafiori’s departure, telling Sky Sport Italia: “We will try to keep Calafiori but if important offers arrive, we will have to consider them.”
Calafiori’s style and performances have drawn comparisons to Italian defensive greats
Calafiori’s style has drawn comparisons to legendary Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, and Alessandro Nesta, with his long hair and headband completing the look. At Euro 2024, he more than lived up to those comparisons, forming a solid partnership with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.
Calafiori scored an own goal against Spain but bounced back with an assist against Croatia
While he did score an unfortunate own goal in Italy’s 1-0 loss to Spain, he redeemed himself in the crucial 1-1 draw with Croatia. With Italy needing a late goal to advance, Calafiori embarked on a driving run through midfield and picked out Mattia Zaccagni with a superb pass, leading to the 98th-minute equalizer.
Arsenal’s current center-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will be a tough act to follow
However, breaking into Arsenal’s starting lineup won’t be easy. The Gunners boast the best center-back pairing in the Premier League, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes forming a formidable partnership. Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the league last season, letting in just 29, which highlights the challenge Calafiori would face.
Arsenal is reportedly eyeing an Italian addition to their backline, with Riccardo Calafiori on their radar. The young center-back has been a revelation for Italy at Euro 2024, showcasing his talent and drawing interest from top clubs. With Bologna qualifying for the Champions League, Calafiori’s stock is on the rise.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori is serious. Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, has acknowledged the possibility of Calafiori’s departure, but also expressed their desire to keep him. Calafiori’s style and performances have drawn comparisons to Italian defensive greats like Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro.
Arsenal boasted the best defense in the Premier League last season, conceding only 29 goals
At Euro 2024, Calafiori formed a solid partnership with Alessandro Bastoni, although he did score an own goal in Italy’s loss to Spain. However, he bounced back with a crucial assist against Croatia, showcasing his resilience. Arsenal’s current center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will be a tough act to follow, having played together 79 times over the past two seasons.
Breaking into Arsenal’s defense will be a challenge, as the Gunners conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season. Nonetheless, Calafiori’s talent and potential are undeniable, and his possible transfer adds an intriguing dimension to Arsenal’s defensive options.