Arsenal’s deal to signal Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna is “basically performed”, in accordance with journalist David Ornstein on X this afternoon.
The Gunners have lengthy been linked strongly with Calafiori, and it now appears to be like like the whole lot is in place for the Italy worldwide to make the transfer to the Emirates Stadium as soon as he completes the formalities of passing his medical and signing a contract.
See beneath for Ornstein’s replace, with the well-connected reporter seeming assured this deal is principally all confirmed as being set to undergo, which is able to little question delight Arsenal followers who know the way dependable he tends to be on AFC issues…
? All agreements now in place for Riccardo Calafiori to hitch Arsenal from Bologna. 22yo defender nonetheless must do medical + signal however deal basically performed. If the whole lot goes to plan, purpose is for Italy int’l to hyperlink up with #AFC on USA tour @TheAthleticFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2024
Calafiori appears to be like an thrilling signing for Arsenal, with the 22-year-old impressing in Serie A final season and at Euro 2024 with the Italian nationwide staff.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior not fully convincing at left-back final season, one imagines that’s exactly the place Calafiori will play, although he may present Mikel Arteta with cowl in central defence.
Calafiori switch: Charles Watts suggestions Arsenal signing to be scary for the remainder of the Premier League
Talking to CaughtOffside for his Each day Briefing column yesterday, Charles Watts offered his perception into the Calafiori deal and sounded optimistic about what the previous Roma teenager may present the membership.
“I believe it’s a extremely thrilling signing for Arsenal,” Watts mentioned.
“Left-back was considered one of two positions within the staff final season the place there was no actual consistency. Arteta was having to combine and match all through the season, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakob Kiwior all filling in there.
“Whenever you take a look at Calafiori and the place his strengths are, he appears to be like like a extremely sensible signing. He has the qualities to invert into midfield from left-back because of how comfy he’s with the ball when he drives ahead.
“But when Arteta needs to make use of Ben White as his inverted full-back on the appropriate, then Calafiori can simply transfer extra centrally and make up a 3 with Gabriel and William Saliba.
“Arsenal had been so robust defensively final season and you need to suppose the addition of the 22-year-old is just going to make them even higher on the again. That’s a fairly scary situation for the remainder of the Premier League.”
