In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Arsenal are leading the race for Bologna full-back Riccardo Calafiori this summer. Jacobs said,
“Arsenal are frontrunners and it’s likely the fee is somewhere in the region of €50million. It could move relatively quickly as well. Arsenal will be wary because they’ve dealt with Chelsea before with Mudryk. They also looked like frontrunners [for him] as they started all the negotiations first, and then Chelsea started a hijack.
“I think the difference, at this point, is that Arteta has apparently been very hands-on, has pitched the project, and the player is relatively sold at this stage on Arsenal. So, if Arsenal choose to proceed and can agree a fee with Bologna, they are relatively confident that they won’t be hijacked by Chelsea.”
Calafiori’s Decent Run Of Form In Italy
The 22-year-old experienced an impressive campaign at the Italian club after he produced a string of solid performances on the right side of their backline. Calafiori scored two goals and picked up five assists in 37 appearances for Bologna last season across all fronts.
The Roma-born defensive ace caught the eye at times when defending inside his half as he averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.5 clearances, 0.6 shots and 0.6 key passes per 90 minutes in Serie A. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from the back, based on his pass completion rate of 89.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Bring Calafiori On Board?
Calafiori is a solid tackler of the ball and can make a few important interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is a decent playmaker in the opposition half.
The Italy international can even strike the ball with venom from long range. However, he might need some time to settle into the physicality and high intensity of English football. Still, Arsenal would be wise to get a deal done for him this summer as he is good enough to nail down a regular spot in Mikel Arteta‘s first team.
At 22, Calafiori has the potential to be a future star in European football. Thus, the Gunners should consider bringing him on board in this transfer window.
