Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly given Arsenal a major boost with his knee injury not claimed to be serious.
The Gunners star picked up a knock on Thursday night having landed awkwardly in Italy’s Nations League quarter-final first leg defeat to Germany.
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Arsenal fans would have been fearing the worst after Calafiori went downCredit: Getty
Luciano Spalletti’s side were beaten 2-1 at the San Siro, with Calafiori’s injury adding to their woe.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts before goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka turned the match around.
And in the final minutes of the clash, Calafiori picked up an issue which would have had fans fearing the worst.
As Germany came forward, the defender stepped forward in an attempt to intercept a pass.
However, his right leg slipped from underneath him, causing Calafiori to heavily fall to the floor and land on his knee.
The 22-year-old immediately appeared in some discomfort as he stayed down on the pitch.
After receiving treatment, though, he was able to continue and went on to play the full 90 minutes.
Calafiori has already two spells out this season with knee injuries, and having ruptured his ligaments as a 16-year-old at Roma, supporters took to social media to express fear he could miss the rest of the season ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final meeting with Real Madrid.
But in a boost, Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has insisted that the youngster faces just two to three weeks on the sidelines.
It has been said that Calafiori has suffered a first-to-second-degree collateral injury.
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Calafiori suffered a painful-looking fall against Germany
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The defender linked up with the Gunners last summer from Bologna in a deal rising to £38million
As a result, he will now be heading back to Arsenal for further treatment and will play no part in Italy’s second leg in Germany.
With Arsenal to welcome Los Blancos to the Emirates for their first leg on April 8, it remains to be seen whether he will be available for that clash.
It means that Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly could start at left-back, where he will be tasked with keeping right winger Rodrgyo quiet.
Speaking immediately on Calafiori following the defeat to Germany, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti said: “We don’t know about Calafiori, his knee feels strange.
“But he can’t answer the question of what he feels. I can’t quite figure it out at the moment.
“Unfortunately his stud came off while he was trying to get back on the pass.”
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Calafiori has become a firm fan favourite amongst Gooners since linking up from Serie A side Bologna last summer in a deal rising to £38million.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the player, who has had four spells on the sidelines due to knee, calf and muscle issues.
He has missed 14 games due to injuries – limiting him to just Premier League appearances.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has provided an update on Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness after the defender suffered an awkward fall.
The Arsenal star appeared to land painfully during Italy’s defeat to Germany on Thursday night.
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Arsenal will be nervously awaiting an update on CalafioriCredit: Getty
Spalletti’s side were beaten 2-1 at the San Siro as the visitors came from behind to win their Nations League quarter-final first leg.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the hosts before goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka turned the match around.
In another potential blow to Italy, Calafiori appeared to pick up an issue during the match.
As Germany came forward, the defender stepped forward in an attempt to intercept a pass.
However, his right leg slipped from underneath him, causing Calafiori to heavily fall to the floor and land on his knee.
The 22-year-old immediately appeared in some discomfort as he stayed down on the pitch.
After receiving treatment, though, he was able to continue and went on to play the full 90 minutes.
Following the defeat, Spalletti provided an update on Calafiori’s fitness.
He confirmed that Italy’s medical staff will assess the versatile defender.
The Azzurri boss told reporters: “We still don’t know if he’s injured. Ricky feels something strange at his knee but we still don’t know.”
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Calafiori suffered a painful-looking fall against Germany
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Spalletti has confirmed the defender will be assessed by medical staffCredit: Getty
Italy are back in action for the second leg on Sunday, facing Germany in Dortmund for a place in June’s semi-finals.
There will be concerns surrounding Calafiori, with the potential injury sustained to the same knee he badly damaged as a 16-year-old at Roma.
He reflected on the severity of that injury back in January, telling the Gunners website: “To be honest, I was lucky that I was so young, because I was 16.
“My only thoughts were coming back from the injury and just playing again, because, as you mentioned before, they said I would probably stop my career before it’s even started.
“So I just want to play again and that’s it.”
Calafiori ultimately missed nine months due to the injury, causing him to be sidelined for almost an entire season.
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Since moving to the Emirates Stadium last summer, he has so far avoided any serious injuries.
However, Calafiori did miss eight matches for club and country from October to November due to a knee problem.
There was another worry for Arsenal moments after Calafiori was hauled off before the hour-mark.
Bukayo Saka, who scored a penalty against West Ham and assisted two other goals, went down in pain on the London Stadium turf.
However, despite a long pause for treatment and a brief spell off the pitch, he was able to continue playing.
Though he was later taken off with Raheem Sterling coming on in his place in the closing stages.
Arsenal were able to get through the rest of the match without anymore worries of their players’ fitness in what was a thumping win.
Gabriel headed in the opener with only ten minutes played, doing so from yet another set-piece that was crossed in by Saka.
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Saka was also seemingly injured, but he was able to play onCredit: AFP
Leandro Trossard doubled Arsenal’s lead before with less than half an hour on the clock – tapping home into an empty net after being picked out by Saka.
All three points were pretty much sealed moments later when Martin Odegaard scored from the penalty spot.
Kai Havertz continued the romp when he added the Gunners’ fourth, although hosts West Ham did their best to fight back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s finish was followed by an excellent free-kick from Emerson Palmieri to ensure Arsenal only had a two-goal advantage.
However, the north London outfit scored their fifth and final goal shortly before half-time thanks to Saka’s penalty.
Victory has sent them second in the Premier League and six points behind Liverpool, who host Manchester City tomorrow.
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Arsenal were fully deserving of their win over West Ham
Arsenal could drop down in the standings on Sunday though should Chelsea beat Aston Villa by more than three goals.
Arteta’s side will now turn their focus towards United’s visit at the Emirates on Wednesday as they continue to hunt down Liverpool.
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori was forced off injured during Italy’s clash with France on Friday night.
The defender suffered the injury in complete freak fashion with Ousmane Dembele landing on his ankle after being tackled himself.
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Calafiori was immediately substituted after the injury
There was immediate concern from his Italy teammates who called for the physio to come onto the pitch.
No risks were taken by the medical staff as he was substituted, with the Italians winning 3-1 at the time.
However, Italy manager Lucas Spaletti quickly alleviated concerns after the match.
“We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game,” he said.
Calafiori was a £33.7million signing from Bologna this summer.
The news will still be worrying for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League showdown with Tottenham immediately after the international break.
Declan Rice is already missing the game through suspension after being sent off against Brighton, while Mikel Merino is also out due to an injury sustained in his very first training session with the Gunners.
“He had a collision and he has a shoulder injury unfortunately,” manager Mikel Arteta said. “It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks.
“First session. He was really excited and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor and Gabi [Magalhaes] landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably.”
Jurrien Timber also raised injury concerns after being forced off against Brighton.
However, Arteta seemed less concerned about the issues the defender was facing.
“No, he was I think cramping,” the Arsenal told reporters after the Brighton boss.
“He got a kick in the first half and was cramping so we had to take him off.”
Arsenal will face Tottenham on September 15 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arteta will hope to have one new face in his squad for that trip to Spurs.
He be spending the international break trying to get Raheem Sterling up to speed to ensure he can make his debut for the club at Spurs.
Sterling sealed a dramatic deadline-day season-long loan move to the Gunners after being frozen out by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The 29-year-old worked with Arteta at Manchester City and scored 10 goals last season for the Blues, but has not played any football since pre-season after being controversially left out of the Chelsea matchday squad for their season opener with City two weeks ago.
“We have to see him, speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it,” Arteta said.
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Arteta has huge selection headaches for the north London derbyCredit: Getty
“Try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team.
“We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”
Arteta faces a midfield dilemma for the clash with Rice and Merino out, and it means the Gunners chief will have to either drop captain Martin Odegaard back alongside Thomas Partey or bring in Jorginho.
He added: “Well, this is what happens. We have to adapt to that context.
“That’s why we have other players that can fulfil that (role) and (I can) give that opportunity to somebody else.”
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Arsenal could boast two different yet equally excellent starting XIs next season if they continue their impressive summer business.
The Gunners have already welcomed David Raya on a permanent deal and the new signing of Riccardo Calafiori so far this transfer window.
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Julian Alvarez is being targeted by Man City’s title rivals ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Arteta could finally help bring the Premier League title back to Arsenal next seasonCredit: Getty
Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT understands Mikel Arteta’s side are in talks with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino.
We also reported earlier on Saturday that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Julian Alvarez from their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Alvarez, who was part of his nation’s Copa America-winning squad this summer, revealed that he’d be considering his City future, saying: “I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do.
“Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.
“But it’s true: in the end, in some important games, it’s not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.
“I haven’t stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself.
“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games; players always want to help on the pitch.”
The north London outfit will surely challenge for the crown yet again if they’re able to sign both, and talkSPORT.com has looked at two ways in which they could line-up with the potential new additions.
Raya is set to retain his spot as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper after keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions last season on loan from Brentford.
Coming in as the new left-back could be Calafiori, who has joined in a deal from Bologna that could reach £38million with add-ons.
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Calafiori’s arrival has come as a huge boost to ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Merino could be set to add further quality to the GunnersCredit: Getty
Although the Italian international is most notably a centre-back, he has previously played as a full-back during his career.
One of the key reasons as to why Arsenal conceded the least goals in the Premier League last season – 29 – was their centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
The Brazilian and French duo have proven incredibly difficult to face on various occasions and are one of the best partnerships in football.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits he’s happy with the current Gunners squad when asked if the club will make any new signings after bringing in Ricardo Calafiori
Ben White will likely become the fourth centre-back to feature in the Arsenal backline having successfully moved into the right-back role under Arteta.
Sitting ahead of the defence to operate as their defensive midfielder will most certainly be Declan Rice.
He featured in all 38 of their league games last season, scoring an impressive seven goals and assisting a further nine.
Arsenal’s could be set to start two players in the no.8 role in front of Rice, with Sociedad star Merino possibly one of those included.
The 28-year-old, who previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle, starred for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph and has a great eye for a pass in the middle of the park.
Club captain Martin Odegaard will likely play alongside him, with the Norwegian one of the best playmakers in the league.
He scored 11 goals and assisted another 11 in all competitions last season, with his creativity proving influential when the Gunners go forward.
Despite a difficult final few weeks in the previous campaign, Gabriel Martinelli could still be given the nod at left-wing by Arteta.
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Alvarez knows what it takes to win Premier League titlesCredit: Getty
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Here is one way that Arsenal could line-up for next season…
However, should Arsenal complete the signing of two-time Premier League champion Alvarez from City, the boss’ thinking could change.
Although an appearance of the left of the attack with the reigning champions isn’t the go-to, he has played there for Argentina.
Alvarez also boasts a strong right foot, so he would be able cut inside and fire towards goal should the opportunity arise.
The 24-year-old could also find himself starting in a central attacking role in Arsenal’s front three given his success there for City and his country.
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This is an alternative way that Arteta could organise his side…
Kai Havertz would likely be his strongest competition for that spot as he ended the 2023/24 campaign with 14 goals in all competitions despite his slow start.
Completing the line-up is their star man Bukayo Saka, whose 20 goals and 14 assists last season make him worthy of starting for any top club across Europe.
Arsenal start their season with a home clash with Wolves on Saturday, August 17.
Arsenal could be set to splash the cash to continue their summer overhaul after their capture of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners announced the versatile Italian defender as their second signing this window in a £38million transfer on Monday.
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Arteta is assembling a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League titleCredit: Getty
His arrival means the north London giants have forked out £65m after they turned David Raya’s loan spell from Brentford into a permanent switch for £27m.
And that figure is expected to break the £100m barrier and could even exceed £150m if Mikel Arteta has it his way.
Although he tried to play that down during the club’s pre-season tour.
“We don’t expect to do anything like it. That’s the reality,” Arteta said. “We have to wait and see the movements in the market. We have already identified the things that we can improve.
“We had the meetings in February, March, April. So if we can, we will strengthen the team. So far I’m really happy with what we have.”
talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are set to add to their transfer kitty with Emile Smith Rowe poised to join Fulham in a deal rising to £34million.
Once the Hale End graduate’s exit is confirmed, Arsenal would step up in their pursuit to sign a left-sided central midfielder, with £25m-rated Mikel Merino identified as Granit Xhaka‘s replacement – 12 months after his sale to Bayer Leverkusen.
This could see Declan Rice drop from his box-to-box role to feature as a No.6 – where he starred for West Ham and continues to be deployed on international duty with England.
And to complete what would be another hectic summer at the Emirates, a striker could be the last addition to the squad as Arsenal look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.
Italian media had suggested that Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen was on the club’s radar to provide competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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Calafiori has linked up with Arsenal from Bologna in a deal rising to £38million
However talkSPORT understands it is Chelsea who are advancing in talks to sign the Nigerian star over an initial season-long loan deal, which could lead to Arsenal making a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how Arsenal could line up against Wolves on August 17 if they managed to land their two top targets.
Spanish shot-stopper Raya will keep his place as the club’s No1 between the sticks having won the Golden Glove last campaign with 16 clean sheets.
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal players welcome new signing Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna
Ben White will undoubtedly keep his spot at right-back having become one of the top-flight’s best full-backs since transitioning from a centre-back.
And Calafiori, who featured as a centre-back for Bologna last season and for Italy at Euro 2024, may play on the opposite side of defence.
Though it’s not a position that is unfamiliar to the 22-year-old, who played at left-back before his switch to Bologna in 2023.
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Raya proved to be a huge hit at the Emirates last seasonCredit: Getty
His arrival will mean that Jurrien Timber will likely be used as back-up cover, a blow for the Dutchman who was limited to just three appearances last season following an ACL injury.
Arteta would then partner William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence, with the duo widely considered to be one of the best centre-back pairings in Europe.
And Rice could then slot in as the lone defensive midfielder ahead of Thomas Partey, who continues to be linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Despite starring in the No8 role in his opening year at Arsenal, the possible signing of Real Sociedad’s Merino would likely see the 28-year-old deployed there instead.
The ex-Newcastle man, who was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad alongside Raya, could help Arsenal’s attack down the left, with line-breaking passes a huge part of his game.
Boasting a similar style to Xhaka, this would especially help out left winger Gabriel Martinelli, who struggled in the absence of the Switzerland international.
Skipper Martin Odegaard would then complete the midfield three, with the Norwegian recognised as one of Europe’s top playmakers.
Bukayo Saka will almost certainly start on the right wing, despite yet to feature in pre-season so far, where he will be looking to better his 34 goal involvements from last term.
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Merino helped Spain win Euro 2024 where he featured in all seven matches in GermanyCredit: Getty
Martinelli may then get the nod over Leandro Trossard on the opposite flank having dazzled in the pre-season win over Manchester United.
And with Osimhen seemingly out of the equation for Arsenal, they may look to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-forward Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker, who joined the Portuguese outfit from Coventry last summer, chipped in with 43 goals and 15 assists in all competitions to fire his side to the league title.
Arsenal scouts watched him in action last campaign, and have even been keeping tabs on him this pre-season ahead of a potential switch.
But it remains to be seen whether they will activate his £86m release clause, or if they will be able to negotiate the fee down.
Should he end up at Arsenal, it is likely he will start above Havertz and Jesus to lead the line under Arteta.
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Gyokeres banged in goals for fun last season for SportingCredit: Getty
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This could potentially be Arsenal’s line-up next season should they secure their top targets
Arsenal fans couldn’t help but notice how Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior reacted to Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival at the club.
Arsenal signed Calafiori from Bologna this week in a deal worth an initial £38million following a spectacular season where he helped lead the Serie A outfit to fifth in the league.
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Timber might have a new rival in defence to contend withCredit: YouTube/Arsenal
The Italy international can play left-back, centre-back and defensive midfield – much like two other players manager Mikel Arteta already has in the squad.
Timber and Kiwior both play left-back and centre-back but had difficult campaigns last season.
Timber spent most of the year injured after suffering an torn ACL on his debut while Kiwior struggled for game-time ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arteta introduced Calafiori, who has been likened to Sergio Ramos, in a heart-warming video that was released on Arsenal’s YouTube channel where the defender stands up and is applauded by his new teammates.
But Arsenal fans noticed his rivals for game time, particularly Dutchman Timber who warmly clapped his hands before darting a glance at the new recruit.
Kiwior, meanwhile, beamed a smile as he entered the room and high-fived a coach as one fan wrote: “Does he know?”
Speaking on Timber, one fan wrote: “Look at Timber.”
Another replied: “Thought I was the only one who saw it, he knows, competition just gets stiffer.”
Arsenal now have several options in defence, which was the best in the Premier League last season and conceded just 29 times.
Arteta largely stuck with the same back four when available with David Raya taking Aaron Ramsdale’s position in goal but Calafiori could become the new first-choice left-back ahead of Zinchenko.
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Arsenal fans noticed Timber make a quick glance at CalafioriCredit: YouTube/Arsenal
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Kiwior is another who might have less game-time but still looked happy to be thereCredit: YouTube/Arsenal
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Calafiori finally signed for Arsenal this week after a long delay
It means that every player has a back-up with Takehiro Tomiyasu behind Ben White at right-back, Timber behind William Saliba and Kiwior behind Gabriel Magalhaes.
And as the Gunners plot a way to overthrow Manchester City at the top of the table, Arteta will need all the help he can get.
Calafiori could be the answer after Zinchenko came under fire at times throughout the season while the 22-year-old made a short speech during his first meeting with the squad.
New Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori wants to win trophies at the North London club after joining from Serie A side Bologna
He said: “Of course, I am really happy to be here. I waited a lot. I hope we are going to do something great this year. Just this, thank you.”
After the meeting had concluded, Arteta gave Calafiori a big hug as the full-back said: “Is this real?”
Arteta replied: “It is real, it is real.”
Arsenal’s move for Calafiori was held up by Bologna after a dispute with his former club Basel over the sell-on fee and Arteta admitted he was left frustrated.
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Arteta and Calafiori shared a big hug after meeting the Arsenal squadCredit: YouTube/Arsenal
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Calafiori starred for Italy and Bologna over the last 12 monthsCredit: Getty
He said: “I’m very happy. It took a while – it was a player that we have monitored for a year.
“We were really short in the backline last year in terms of numbers and we demanded so much from them. William Saliba, for example, played in every minute of the Premier League and we believe we had to be more protected.
“We identified him as a talent that can give us skill and qualities that are going to make us better. We are signing a player with a huge capacity to develop.”
Arsenal are next in action on Wednesday night against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Whether Calafiori will take part remains to be seen but Arteta might give fans a little look at their latest signing.
Mikel Arteta on Riccardo Calafiori
Arteta: “I am very happy that we’ve got Riccardo done. As I said, it was very important to have that protection in the backline because of the issues that we had, especially last year when Jurrien was injured.
“It increases the quality and the competition and it’s very good for the team.
“It was the numbers. We only had six defenders in the backline and at this level you have to be really lucky to sustain the season like this.
“We were, because William for example and Gabriel nearly played every minute, we played more than 50 per cent more minutes than the previous season and if we are able to do that consistently over the next three or four years that’s a big question mark.
“Obviously you cannot just bet on that, that’s a big bet and we don’t want to take that bet.
Riccardo Calafiori has finally been announced as an Arsenal player following protracted negotiations with Bologna.
talkSPORT understands that the Gunners have forked out an initial £34million on the versatile defender, with a further £4m to be paid in potential add-ons.
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Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Italy international Calafiori from BolognaCredit: Getty
After completing his medical in London, Calafiori now linked up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of America.
Mikel Arteta identified the 22-year-old, who starred for Italy at Euro 2024, as his top defensive target.
Calafiori earned rave reviews in the group stage in Germany, while he also impressed for Bologna last season to help them secure Champions League football.
His dazzling displays led Juventus to eye up a move for the youngster, while Chelsea also had him on their radar, before bringing in Renato Veiga from Basel instead.
It was also rumoured that Real Madrid were keen on Calafiori, who has been likened to Sergio Ramos, but the ex-Roma man only had eyes on Arsenal.
Arsenal have been in talks with Bologna regarding the player for the last month, with the Italian side also having to deal with Swiss outfit Basel.
The two clubs had been discussing the hefty 50 per cent sell-on clause Basel were due having sold him to Bologna in August 2023.
And with that now settled, Arsenal have finally confirmed Calafiori’s arrival, where he has become their second signing of the summer after David Raya’s loan spell from Brentford was turned into a permanent move.
It remains to be seen now where Calafiori will into Arteta’s system, with the player able to operate as both a centre-back and left-back.
It seems unlikely that Arteta will shake-up the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence.
And this could see Calafiori be deployed as a full-back, where he would be utilised in a role similar to right-back Ben White.
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Calafiori starred for Italy, where he featured in all three of their group stage matchesCredit: Getty
Andy Townsend reveals he tried to sign Ian Wright for Chelsea after facing him and claims the Arsenal legend ‘was keen’
Jurrien Timber, who missed the bulk of the season with a knee injury, would then be used as back-up options in all three defensive positions.
And Calafiori’s arrival may now see Arsenal look to offload one of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with both linked with Emirates exits.
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This could be how Arsenal line-up next season under Arteta
Riccardo Calafiori’s ‘brilliant’ performances at Euro 2024 will excite Arsenal fans as his switch to the Emirates draws closer.
That’s the view of European football expert Andy Brassell who claims the Gunners are getting value for money with the Italian.
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Riccardo Calafiori is inching closer to becoming an Arsenal playerCredit: Getty
The versatile Bologna defender was one of Italy’s few bright sparks this summer in an otherwise disappointing showing from the former holders.
And his dazzling displays – coupled with his performances to help Bologna secure Champions League football – convinced Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to make a move for the Juventus and Chelsea target.
Brassell believes the Gunners boss will take full advantage of Calafiori’s defensive versatility as they look to dethrone champions Manchester City.
The Bologna star began his career as a left-back until he was persuaded to adopt a central role during a year-long spell at Swiss side FC Basel.
Calafiori has flourished since taking the advice of his former coach Heiko Vogel, sparking comparisons with Barcelona legend Eric Abidal.
“I guess there’s the flexibility with Calafiori as well isn’t there because, you’re looking at someone who is comfortable at left back as well,” Brassell told talkSPORT.
“He was a left-back before Thiago Motta converted him into a centre-back last season and I think there were not many exciting things about Italy during the Euros.
“But I think you look at the bit where he set up [Mattia] Zaccagni’s equaliser against Croatia.
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Calafiori was instrumental in Bologna’s unlikely qualification for next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
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The Italian has been likened to Barcelona legend Eric AbidalCredit: Getty
“When he just went on that rampaging run forward, it was a bit Eric Abidal, actually, wasn’t it? It was brilliant and that is something to get Arsenal fans excited.”
For fans of Arsenal, the deal to bring Calafiori to the Emirates has been a slow process.
Andy Townsend reveals he tried to sign Ian Wright for Chelsea after facing him and claims the Arsenal legend ‘was keen’
Whilst the defender is poised to be announced by the Premier League title challengers, there are still some small details to tie up before finalising the transfer.
“What really the hold up has been so far is his previous club Basel,” Brassell explained.
“Yeah, that’s right. He’s been through Switzerland as well, their part of the deal is holding it up.
“There’s still negotiation between Basel and Bologna on how that might shake out because they’re due quite a big bit of the profit it seems.
“But Arsenal are paying a lot for him and paying a lot for someone who looks a thoroughbred, there’s no doubt about it.”
Calafiori is set to be Arsenal’s first signing of the summerCredit: Getty
Calafiori is on course to arrive after an excellent 2023/24 campaign and solid Euro 2024 with Italy, despite their last 16 exit to Switzerland.
At the age of 22, he could be set for a long stay in north London and an arrival that sees Arsenal possibly make amends for missing out on a footballing legend.
Giorgio Chiellini is regarded as one of the best centre-backs of all-time having won nine Serie A titles with Juventus and the Euros with Italy amongst other honours.
He has long-been one of the toughest defenders in the game, so much so that Arsenal legend Robin van Persie revealed he wanted the club to sign him when he was there from 2004 to 2012.
“At a given moment I felt called upon to say what Arsenal could do better in order to win the league,” he told Kaj Gorgels in 2020 via the Daily Mail.
“I felt we lacked a winning mentality, and asked Arsene Wenger to sign Giorgio Chiellini. I have played against him a few times, and he is a genuine winner.
“You could see that when he played against Holland a few weeks ago. He is 36 years old, but he’ll dish out nine elbows every game with a smile on his face.
“He’ll keep smiling and never get a yellow card. You need those types of winners and killers in your side. I felt we should get him.”
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Chiellini is eyed as one of football’s greatest ever centre-backsCredit: Getty
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Van Persie wanted Wenger to sign him at Arsenal, but a move did not happenCredit: Getty
Chiellini remained at Juventus and spent 18 years there, as well as earning 117 caps for Italy before retiring in 2022, to cement his status as a legend.
It would take a lot for Calafiori to achieve such levels of success but a move to Arsenal could help take him to the next level.
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He scored two goals and assisted another five in 33 appearances for Bologna last season and is able to also play at left-back if needed.
Calafiori will become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer as Mikel Arteta’s side build towards a third consecutive Premier League title challenge.
