Tag: bukayo saka

If the transfer market was run like a dating app, Mikel Arteta’s search criteria would see him tick ‘tall’, ‘technical’ and ‘adaptable’ almost every time he logged on. 

Size matters to the Spaniard, along with skill and multi-functionality. 

Look at Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior. All physically imposing acquisitions of his, who are great on the ball yet not defined by a single role. 

Playing fluid football like his, you need players who can seamlessly move from one area to the next. 

Big ‘uns are also a key part of Arteta’s imprint.  

Those imposing tunnel stare downs, Patrick Vieira-style, can intimidate opponents (which helps sometimes) and after gaining so many extra points courtesy of set piece dominance, it’s a ploy that’s sure to be continued. 

Caliafiori: The perfect fit

So, when you think about it, Arsenal’s summer pursuit of Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori makes sense on just about every level. 

Ticking all those boxes I’ve referenced; he fits in beautifully with the model that’s being created at the Emirates Stadium. 

The 22-year-old is an elegant central defender blessed with height, pace, bravery, a strong reading of the game, and fantastic quality on the ball. 

The way he carried it forward for Luciano Spalletti’s side at Euro 2024 was great to watch, as was his progressive distribution. 

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Arteta will have noted this long before he kicked a ball in the competition, of course. 

In Serie A for Bologna last term, Calafiori raced forward to supply five assists in his last ten starts. 

Left-back option

Crucially, and certainly not coincidentally, the youngster can also operate comfortably at left-back; a position which is very much up for grabs. 

At first glance Arsenal look left-back heavy, with Timber, Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all viable options. 

Strip things away though, and the reality is different. 

Tomiyasu is more right-sided, Tierney is unlikely to be in Arteta’s plans, while Kiwior and Zinchenko are both being linked with transfers. 

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The Pole is more likely to depart in search of regular game time, with the Ukrainian potentially becoming a left midfield option, having lost some form and trust in the defensive side of his game. 

Fit again Timber will probably start 2024/25 at left back, and deservedly so, but if Kiwior leaves and Zinny isn’t under consideration, the squad will need a natural left footer like Calafiori to fill that void. 

Breaking up the best centre-back partnership in the division is not under consideration, but as far as cover for William Saliba or Gabriel Maghalaes goes, you aren’t going to get much better than the highly rated Italian. 

Arsenal were fortunate to keep both central defenders fit for the entirety of last season, but might not be as lucky this time around. They must be prepared. 

Remember, Arteta also loves a back four containing a quartet of centre backs. 

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Former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis was pilloried for doing the same, but Arsenal’s rearguard doesn’t just kick it and head it. White and Calafiori are rounded footballers with the ability to smoothly build play and create. 

Offering the same technical prowess as a diminutive full back, while at the same time adding to Arsenal’s armoury when attacking and defending set pieces, why wouldn’t you use them there?

At a good age with scope for massive development, Calafiori feels tailor-made to be a key part of this Arsenal squad moving forwards. 

I really hope it’s a move that comes off. 

Would be nice to get Nico

I’m also excited that Arsenal are in the mix to sign Nico Williams, a contender for Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. 

Just like Calafiori, the Spanish winger fulfils all the criteria in Arteta’s search engine. 

We know the Arsenal gaffer can be ruthless if he thinks a position can be upgraded, even when the present incumbents are doing just fine. Ask Aaron Ramsdale all about that.  

So should Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus be a little worried about their place on the left of the Gunners attack? Maybe. 

Trossard’s lethal finishing and versatility will guarantee him plenty more opportunities, but on the back of under-par seasons from Martinelli and Jesus, it will be fascinating to see if Arteta opts to bring in somebody above them. 

Williams’ numbers in LaLiga are certainly outstanding for a 21-year-old. 

Providing 11 assists, he was a constant menace to full-backs throughout a stellar individual campaign for Athletic Bilbao. 

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If Williams does move to Arsenal and plays the left, he would simultaneously offer useful cover for Bukayo Saka on the other flank too. 

The Spain international is not perturbed at the prospect of switching wings. 

Encountering many opponents who will try and stifle Arsenal with defensive tactics next term, the explosive and skilful Williams could be a magnificent, game-changing addition. 

No time to stand still

As they’re in such high demand let’s not jump the gun and suggest Calafiori and Williams are done deals – but these links do show that times are a changing in north London. 

Arteta hasn’t come this far to sit on his hands and hope for the best. 

OK there’s no title to show for it yet, but these are good times in N5 and he knows that Arsenal’s current attractiveness has to be exploited in the transfer window. 

Top players will definitely be interested, and if he can do deals to recruit two of the brightest young stars of Euro 2024 in the coming weeks, it will be the perfect way to encourage others to follow them through the door.