“If he chooses Arsenal over Man City, I’ll resign as a football coach… He’s the player we can’t afford to see playing for them; they may become unbeatable with him,” said an angered Pep Guardiola. Man City has increased their bid to persuade the world-class player to reject Arsenal.
The European Championships are in full swing, but with the transfer window wide open, Arsenal are actively pursuing new signings. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season, Arsenal are focused on acquiring players who can help close that gap.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s side scored five fewer goals than Manchester City but had the best defensive record in the league. Recent reports suggest that Arsenal, led by Edu Gaspar, are looking to strengthen their defense further. One of the most exciting defenders from the Euros, Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna, is being considered as a potential long-term partner for William Saliba.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are interested in Calafiori. Although the player prefers a move to Juventus, his club’s strained relationship with Juventus could lead to his sale to a Premier League team. With Italy’s recent exit from the Euros, Bologna expects more Premier League interest. Football.london reported that a fee of £40m could secure Calafiori, which, while not cheap, might be a worthwhile investment given his recent performances.
Calafiori would be a valuable addition to Arsenal because he plays proactively, helping to control games and apply pressure on opponents. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of center-backs for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for interceptions, and the top 8% for successful take-ons, all per 90 minutes.