Edu has been tasked with bolstering Arsenal's ranks (Image: Getty)
Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori could be everything that Mikel Arteta is looking for in a left-back, despite playing as a centre-back for Italy at Euro 2024.
Although they are yet to bolster their ranks this summer, the Gunners are in the market for reinforcements in every position – with a new goalkeeper being eyed to replace the outgoing Aaron Ramsdale and a winger among their priorities to provide squad depth.
Arsenal are also looking at left-sided defensive options and Calafiori, nicknamed the 'Bulldozer' by his dad when he was younger, was quickly identified as a top target following his sensational season with Bologna. And it is clear to see why Edu is insistent on acquiring his services as soon as possible.
The Gunners lacked top-quality options in left-back last season and thus signing the 22-year-old would quickly provide one. Calafiori would also allow Arteta to take a page out of Pep Guardiola’s book at Manchester City by deploying four centre-backs across his backline – allowing for immense defensive strength when his side are under threat.
Calafiori has showcased that he is more than just a centre-back who can play as a full-back as well though, with his statistics from the 2023/24 Serie A campaign indicating that he has the makings of a top-class recruit.
According to the Evening Standard, Calafiori ranked the 14th highest player in the league for ground covered whilst dribbling forward – travelling an almighty 4,024 yards with the ball at his feet. Declan Rice and William Saliba are the only two Arsenal players who trumped that figure last season.
Arsenal are locked in negotiations with Bologna over Riccardo Calafiori (Image: Getty)
With Calafiori keen to join Arsenal, the north Londoners will be keen to accelerate negotiations with Bologna as soon as possible given they are not the only club to have followed his progress over the last 12 months.
It is not just his stamina that has led to clubs being keen on the Italian either. Calafiori provides plenty of pace, height and strength – which has been the case since he was a youngster coming through the ranks at his youth side Petrana, hence his nickname.
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Riccardo Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024 (Image: Getty)
If Arsenal’s pursuit of the ex-Basel star is successful then it remains to be seen how it affects the future of some of their current left-backs.
Jakub Kiwior already has a host of admirers in the Serie A, including AC Milan, who will be watching the situation in north London unfold closely – though the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko cannot be ruled out either despite his ability to play in more central positions.
