Arsenal and Chelsea have a history of clashing in the transfer window.
The Gunners and the Blues have gone head-to-head over a number of targets over the years, with Mykhaylo Mudryk being perhaps the most notable recent example.
Of course, it was Chelsea who won the race for Mudryk back in January 2022, but it’s fair to say the dynamics of both clubs have shifted since then.
Arsenal have proven for two seasons they’re ready to challenge for top honours, while Chelsea remain something of a mess behind the scenes.
Both clubs are now going for the same player once again in the shape of Riccardo Calafiori, and according to Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, Arsenal are in fact ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign the Italian.
Arsenal ahead of Chelsea in Riccardo Calafiori race
Romano shared what he knows about the ‘very talented’ defender.
“Riccardo Calafiori remains the big case of the last days. You know since last week the interest of both Arsenal and Chelsea, both clubs are really interested in Riccardo Calafiori,” Romano said.
“Who is ahead right now? Arsenal, because Arsenal have presented their proposal to Riccardo Calafiori. A contract proposal long-term, the salary is not an issue at all because Calafiori is on a normal salary at Bologna, so there is not going to be a problem.”
Arsenal should be favourites
It sounds like Arsenal are the favourites to sign Calafiori, and that makes a lot of sense.
The Italian, of course, has ambitions of playing at the very highest level, and with all due respect to Chelsea, they aren’t at that level right now.
The Blues won’t be playing in the Champions League next season, and there’s a lot of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge after changing manager once again this summer.
Arsenal should be favourites to beat Chelsea to any signing at this moment in time, and it sounds as though that is indeed the case with Calafiori.
