LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JUNE 24: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 group ... [+]
Even as Italy flopped at Euro 2024, Riccardo Calafiori caught the eye. The 22-year-old was outstanding in central defence for the Azzurri, capping a 2023/24 season which saw him emerge as one of the best players in his position in Serie A. Bologna is expected to collect a sizeable fee for its prize asset in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal is believed to be leading the pursuit of Calafiori with Mikel Arteta reportedly interested in adding the Italian defender to his squad. But where would Calafiori fit into a team that boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League last season? How would the Gunners improve with the 22-year-old in their ranks?
The addition of Calafiori could give Arteta the tactical flexibility to change his formation. For Italy, Calafiori frequently played as part of a back three, which could be feasible for him as an Arsenal player alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. This could see the Gunners evolve as they head into the 2024/25 campaign.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: William Saliba of Arsenal speaks with teammate Gabriel of Arsenal prior ... [+]
On the ball, Calafiori is excellent at bringing possession out from the back. This could be extremely useful for Arteta who likes his team to construct attacking moves from deep. Last season, he pushed for the signing of David Raya to improve Arsenal’s build-up play. Calafiori’s signing would be another step forward in this development.
Even still, Calafiori would almost certainly be a depth option for Arsenal should he make the move to the Emirates Stadium this month. This, however, is what top teams do - they build squad depth to help them compete on multiple fronts over the course of the season. Arteta is strengthening Arsenal to be a force in the Premier League and Champions League.
BOLOGNA, ITALY - MAY 20: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna ... [+]
Two seasons ago, Arsenal was made to pay for its reliance on Saliba as the French defender went down with an injury for the final phase of the campaign. Ultimately, the Gunners lost out to Manchester City in the title race and many highlighted Saliba’s injury as the turning point. Arteta is guarding against that happening again by targeting Calafiori.
While Arteta has remoulded Arsenal on the pitch over the last three seasons, the North London club has also enjoyed great success in the transfer market, improving the squad year-on-year. Many supporters believe the Gunners need a new number nine to catch City this season. Calafiori, however, would help Arsenal build on one of its biggest strengths.
