Arsenal are looking to land Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori this summer after an impressive Euro 2024 display for Italy.
Calafiori is a player who is believed to be high up on Arsenal’s radar this summer with the Gunners having said to have had a bid accepted already.
However, this is not to say the Italy international is the only player who Arsenal have on their list of potential defensive additions this summer.
Bologna’s Calafiori has emerged as one of the most in-demand players of this transfer window with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also linked with the centre-back.
But Mikel Arteta’s side have back-up plans in place just incase they are to be caught out in the race to sign the 22-year-old.
And there is one player who they remain really keen on.
Arsenal eyeing Riccardo Calafiori alternative
It seems a deal for Calafiori is progressing well with the Bologna president having already claimed he’d be willing to sell the defender to and English side.
“We will try to keep him but if important offers arrive we will have to take them into consideration. I don’t think he will go to Juventus, he will probably go to a different market,” he told the media.
However, the Gunners will be wary of putting all their eggs in one basket this summer with a number of big Premier League clubs said to be interested in the centre-back.
With this in mind, the north London side are said to have a list of three possible options in that position this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are still showing a lot of appreciation to the young Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
The Gunners are said to be eyeing a left-footed centre-back who is also capable of playing out at left-back.
And Hato is one of the options on Arsenal’s shortlist which remains the one of the most appreciated.
However, Ajax are adamant that they will keep Hato around for at least another season.
Jorrel Hato hailed as ‘special’ by Ajax coach
Ajax remain in a strong position when it comes to Hato with four years remaining on the 18-year-old’s deal.
Despite having only recently turned 18, he is a player who has earned a lot of praise at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Barring the final game of the 2023/24 campaign, Hato started every single Eredivisie game for the Dutch giants last season.
And that earned him some big praise from coach John van ‘t Schip who hailed him as a ‘special’ talent.
“[He’s] special in the sense that he has been able to stand his ground for so long and that he continues to reach such a high level,” he told the media.
“Of course, he is still a young player, the youngest one, who still has a lot to learn, but if you look at what he brings, the way he defends, the way he can play football forward, he has a great future ahead of him.”
