Arsenal may look to strengthen their options at left-back, and watchers of Euro 2024 will have been impressed by one player in particular.
With Arsenal defenders Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney all disappointing at the tournament, Mikel Arteta may prioritise the addition of a top-quality left-back who can cement himself into the starting XI.
Whilst the Arsenal trio struggled, Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has thrived for Italy, and the 22-year-old is now attracting interest as a result of his strong performances across the season for club and country.
Bologna, who qualified for the Champions League, were adamant that they would not sell the defender, but their position has now changed, in a welcome boost for Arsenal.
Arsenal can offer more than Juventus for Riccardo Calafiori
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Bologna have changed their stance over Calafiori, as they accept that having already lost manager Thiago Motta to Juventus, keeping their stars will be a difficult task.
“After initial plan to keep Riccardo Calafiori, Bologna now feel that will be almost impossible. Bologna anticipate big proposals for Calafiori soon. Juventus have player’s green light since May but still no agreement with Bologna. Premier League clubs, now keen,” he posted on X.
TuttoJuve have now reported that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both ready to enter the race for Calafiori, and that both clubs “can offer more” than Juventus in monetary terms.
Finances may play key role as Arsenal race to sign Riccardo Calafiori
Juventus are struggling financially compared to Arsenal, whilst Tottenham Hotspur’s failure to qualify for the Champions League may also hit them hard in this regard.
It seems that Calafiori is open to a move to Juventus, but this should not rule Arsenal out of the race. Bologna will only sell their key player for a substantial fee that Juventus may not be able to afford.
If Arsenal can gain assurances that the player would be open to a move to North London, they may be confident that they can land him ahead of Juventus, and Arteta can secure an upgrade on Kiwior, who has been linked with a move back to Serie A.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.