Arsenal told not to complete Riccardo Calafiori transfer

Arsenal have been given the ‘green light’ to complete Riccardo Calafiori transfer this summer. That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, at least.

football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in the defender who enjoyed a good Euro 2024 despite Italy failing to get past the last 16 stage. A fee of around £40million should get the deal done, although Arsenal face competition from London rivals Chelsea for his signature.

Calafiori is a versatile player, able to play at centre-back or full-back, which would be of huge value to Mikel Arteta. Alongside sporting director Edu, the Gunners are looking for strength in depth in all areas of the pitch, with a midfielder and forward also on the list this summer.

Bologna have admitted they are willing to sell the 22-year-old this summer, should he decide that is what is best for his career. And any move for Calafiori could be offset by Jakub Kiwior making the move to AC Milan.

One former Arsenal player does not believe Calafiori is the player the Gunners should be spending their money on, however. Mikael Silvestre thinks a top quality forward should be the priority this summer.

Speaking to bettingexpert.com, Silvestre said: “You have [Jurrien] Timber, [Jakub] Kiwior, [Takehiro] Tomiyasu who can play at centre-back. Gabriel [Magalhaes] and [William] Saliba haven’t shown any signs of weakness. They’ve been super fit.

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“I’d be surprised if Arsenal go for another centre-back of that calibre (Calafiori). I don’t think the club needs another centre-back. If you have to spend money you go ahead and do it on a No.9.

“I think that should be an area that they should look at improving and to bring competition to the squad. No.9 would be the priority in my view.”