The prolonged switch saga of Riccardo Calafiori has lastly come to an finish as Arsenal confirmed the signing of the defender. Calafiori confirmed his abilities as Bologna completed fifth in Serie A final season, the membership’s finest end for the reason that 1970/71 marketing campaign. The league named Calafiori as its participant of the month in Might. That preceded a sensational spell at Euro 2024, the place Calafiori began every of Italy’s group-stage video games. He missed the round-of-16 conflict towards Switzerland because of yellow card accumulation. Italy fell with out Calafiori on the again.
In accordance with stories, Arsenal shelled out $50 million to deliver Calafiori to the Premier League. Consequently, the Gunners bolster arguably the most effective defensive position within the Premier League. Within the 2023/24 marketing campaign, Arsenal conceded simply 29 targets. A lot of that was a credit score to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, the center-back duo that dominated beneath Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, there could also be some concern for Calafiori, who performed a extra constant function as a center-back beneath Thiago Motta at Bologna.
That could be a welcome problem for Mikel Arteta, who seems to make one other run towards a Premier League title this season. Calafiori can fill in because the center-back ought to Saliba or Gabriel choose up an damage. But, he also can play Calafiori out broad. Throughout his growth as a participant, the Italian began as a wing-back. In the latest marketing campaign, that led to 6 appearances as a left-back.
Though pretty restricted, that availability is essential for Mikel Arteta. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney might be on the transfer. That leaves Jakub Kiwior because the out there candidate to play left-back, ought to the aforementioned gamers depart. Calafiori would thus naturally slot in that slot, ought to Mikel Arteta require that of the defender.
Room to develop for Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal
Calafiori’s skill, there is no such thing as a doubt he is an effective participant. His performances with Bologna had him in competition to be one of many league’s gamers of the season. Then, at Euro 2024, his expertise was clear each as a defender and transition participant. He carried the ball ahead from his backline to supply an help on the game-tying objective towards Croatia. His run ahead earned plaudits from Italian media as the way forward for the Italian protection.
Nevertheless, he’s nonetheless simply 22 years previous. Calafiori has time to develop behind confirmed gamers like Gabriel and Saliba. Furthermore, this makes the Arsenal protection even youthful. What was already one of many youngest groups in England is one step youthful. Saliba is simply 23 whereas Gabriel is getting into his prime on the age of 26 years previous. Having elevated choices will make for extra competitors, which Mikel Arteta is a famous fan of inside his crew. He might be on a five-year contract with Arsenal to maintain him on the membership by way of the 2028/29 season, that means Arsenal may have loads of time to determine its most popular defensive form.
Calafiori won’t play within the schedule of friendlies for Arsenal this summer season. The Gunners nonetheless have but to play Liverpool in america on July 31. For now, Calafiori will keep in England as he acclimates himself to London.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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