Arsenal have been linked with several defenders this summer, and Mikel Arteta is keen on a player who shone at Euro 2024.
Italy suffered a disappointing campaign as they were dumped out in the round of 16, with former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka helping Switzerland to a dominant win over the trophy holders.
Jorginho was also dropped for Italy after struggling to make an impact on the tournament, and it was a poor showing overall from Luciano Spalletti’s side.
However, one shining light was Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who was his side’s best performer in the group stages, and was badly missed in their round of 16 exit as he faced a one-match suspension.
Arsenal have recently been linked with a move for Calafiori, who is also wanted by Juventus and valued at £40m, and this interest has now been confirmed.
Arsenal interest in Riccardo Calafiori is confirmed
Journalist Charles Watts has now confirmed that Arsenal are interested in a move for Calafiori, but they will face stiff competition.
“Arsenal are interested in him and have expressed that interest. Bologna are aware of it and so is the player. Calafiori is seen as someone who could come in and strengthen Mikel Arteta’s defensive options this summer. But Arsenal know that there is widespread interest in him from other clubs, both in Italy and in the Premier League,” he confirmed in his Daily Briefing.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, they may find trouble in their pursuit of Calafiori, as they experienced in the past when entering a transfer battle with Juventus.
Arsenal may face repeat of Manuel Locatelli frustration with Riccardo Calafiori
In the summer of 2021, Arsenal were interested in Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with Mikel Arteta identifying the Italian International as the perfect player to strengthen his side.
Arsenal’s interest dragged on for a while, but they were frustrated as the player’s preference was to move to Juventus.
Locatelli then joined the Serie A giants for a lower offer than Arsenal were prepared to bid, with his desire to remain in Italy meaning that a move to London was likely never on the cards.
Watts has now warned that Arsenal could face similar frustration with Calafiori, given the interest from Juventus.
“The current links with Riccardo Calafiori remind me of Arsenal’s interest in Manuel Locatelli a few years ago. The club liked Locatelli and had made that known to the player’s representatives, but they were always under the impression that he wanted to join Juventus. So while the interest was there, it never really went any further than that,” he added.
“That’s how I see things with Calafiori right now.”
Arsenal should continue to pursue Calafiori for now, but Arteta will be well aware of the danger that he could choose Juventus instead.
