Mikel Arteta has offered an update on Riccardo Calafiori’s outlook ahead of the new season, backing the Italy international to play a key role if he stays fit and consistent.
Speaking in Singapore ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season opener against AC Milan, Arteta was asked about the defender’s progress and his potential to become a core member of the team. His response made it clear: Calafiori’s availability will be a key factor in determining how successful his season, and Arsenal’s, turns out.
Arteta backs Calafiori to make a major step
“It’s a big season for him,” Arteta said. “He looks very, very excited. We know that one of the biggest things we have to achieve this season is availability. It’s true that the main two injuries that he had were on international duty while he was playing with Italy. But these things can happen.”
Calafiori missed large chunks of last season due to those setbacks, which limited his ability to build rhythm in an Arsenal side that could’ve used his defensive presence and line-breaking quality. But Arteta remains optimistic that the former Bologna man can put those issues behind him.
“Now we want a player that is consistently available and performing at the level that he can do. Because he brings an energy and predictability to the team that we really are going to need,” Arteta continued. “He was certainly missed for a big part of last season. Hopefully that second season with more understanding and a little bit more luck, which I think he will miss as well, we can see a great version of him.”
Arsenal counting on Calafiori’s growth
The 23-year-old defender has impressed with his versatility, composure under pressure, and left-footed balance to Arsenal’s build-up play. If he can maintain fitness, he’ll provide serious competition for Gabriel Magalhães and could even slot in as an inverted left-back in certain tactical setups giving Arteta more options as the Gunners chase silverware again.
Calafiori will hope to hit the ground running when the Premier League resumes next month.
This season feels like a defining moment for Calafiori’s Arsenal career. The talent is there, the tactical fit is clear, now it’s all about staying healthy and delivering week in, week out.
