Arsenal and Chelsea are yet again chasing the same player in the transfer market, with Italy star Riccardo Calafiori the subject of interest.
Calafiori enjoyed a stunning season as he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League, and both Arsenal and Chelsea have made enquiries for him.
Arsenal have lost out on transfer targets to Chelsea before, with Mykhaylo Mudryk struggling at Stamford Bridge after they hijacked Mikel Arteta’s move for him, and Arsenal will also hope that they can beat Juventus to Calafiori’s signature.
Calafiori will reportedly have an asking price of over £42m, and if it comes down to a choice between Arsenal and Chelsea, the defender should push for a move to join Arteta’s side.
Riccardo Caliafori would have defined role in Arsenal squad
Although both sides have several left-backs in their squads, Arsenal could look to sell Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney, with the trio all disappointing at Euro 2024.
Calafiori would join Arteta’s squad as a left-back who could invert into midfield whilst also adding a strong defensive presence, and would have ample support from Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and potentially his Italy teammate Jorginho on that side.
Chelsea have Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell, as well as left-sided centre-backs in Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, and it is unclear what kind of tactical role Enzo Maresca could have in mind for him.
Arsenal are the more stable club, with a team challenging at the top of the league, and Calafiori could become an instant starter under a manager who can help him develop into a specific role.
Fabio Capello has described Calafiori as a player with “no fear,” and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero claimed that the defender was “never scared” as he was a bright spot for Italy in their Euro campaign, highlighting the fearless nature he would bring to the Arsenal defence.
Calafiori should heed warning from Mudryk struggles at Chelsea
Mudryk joining Chelsea despite his proposed move to Arsenal was a huge turning point in his career, as he has struggled since in a chaotic environment.
Chelsea are on their sixth manager in the last two years, and have failed to finish in the top four in that time.
Arsenal can offer Calafiori Champions League football as well as a greater chance of succeeding in the Premier League.
Calafiori only needs to look at Mudryk’s Chelsea struggles, as well as Arteta’s ability to improve players such as Kai Havertz, to realise that the Emirates should be his next destination over Stamford Bridge.