The chance Arsenal stand of signing Riccardo Calafiori this summer could all depend upon the future of one other Euro 2024 star.
Arsenal are known to be keen on securing he services of Riccardo Calafiori in this summer transfer window.
The Italian defender would address a an issue that Mikel Arteta current has with his squad. The Spanish coach wants to add a left-back to his Arsenal ranks this summer, whilst there is also a lack of adequate cover and competition for Gabriel Magalhaes at the Emirates Stadium.
Calafiori could potentially address both of these issues. The 22-year-old Bologna ace is naturally left-footed, and is comfortable operating in both the heart of the defence and at full-back.
The Bologna star impressed at Euro 2024 this summer, until a sub-par Italy were eliminated from the tournament by Switzerland on Saturday.
Arsenal may already have a strong relationship with the Serie A club, which they could exploit to strike a deal for Calafiori, as the Gunners previously did business with /bologna when they signed Takehiro Tomiyasu.
However, it would seem that any deal to bring Calafiori to North London could be contingent of the Gunners being able to offload one member of their current squad.
Arsenal must shift Jakub Kiwior in order to land Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal paid £21 million to sign Jakub Kiwior from Spezia in the January of 2023. However, the Poland international has struggled to nail down a regular starting birth for the English outfit since his arrival.
He has been used most frequently at left-back, but lacks attacking impetus in that role. It is clearly the hope that Calafiori would have more to offer for the Gunners in that position.
However, according to The Mirror: “Arsenal have already made an enquiry for Calafiori though their interest is likely to depend on the future of Jakub Kiwior – also wanted by Juventus and AC Milan.”
Unless Kiwior is moved on this summer, there is unlikely to be room for the 5-cap Italy international in Arteta’s squad.
As there is interest in Kiwior from high profile Serie A clubs, though, it seems that Arsenal stand a string chance of finding a suitor for the 24-year-old.
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.