Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a deal for Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old defender played a crucial role in Bologna’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League and had a strong showing for Italy at the 2024 UEFA Euros.
Mikel Arteta is keen on signing a left-footed defender this summer, and Calafiori fits the profile. He is versatile, capable of playing both as a center-back and as a left-back, showing tactical flexibility by often sitting narrow as a wide center-back but also playing as a traditional attacking full-back when needed.
The Gunners, however, face stiff competition from Chelsea. Currently, there is no clear favorite between the two London rivals. Arsenal enjoy good relations with Bologna, while Chelsea are prepared to offer players in exchange for the young Italian. Due to a 50% sell-on clause with Basel, Calafiori will be expensive, costing around £42 million.
Calafiori is known for his strong and physical presence in defense, winning most of his duels and making numerous tackles and interceptions. He shows great composure and positional awareness, excelling in possession with his accurate long balls and defense-splitting passes.
Additionally, he is proficient in bringing the ball out from the back, ranking in the 81st percentile for progressive carries and the 92nd percentile for successful take-ons among center-backs in Europe’s top five leagues. This skill was on display during the 2024 Euros game against Croatia, where his darting run through the center led to Italy’s late equalizer.
Calafiori would integrate well into Arsenal’s system, potentially deploying as the left-back in a starting backline alongside Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel. Depending on the situation and opponent, he could either play as an inverted full-back or as a traditional attacking full-back.
Arteta has presented a long-term proposal to Calafiori, which the defender has accepted. The Gunners now need to act quickly to secure his services before Chelsea makes a move.
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