London, July 26, 2024 — Former Arsenal defender William Gallas endorses Arsenal’s pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, a move that Gallas believes will significantly bolster the Gunners’ defensive lineup, told Gambling Zone. negotiations have reached a breakthrough, and the Italian defender is set to join Arsenal imminently, pending a medical examination.
Calafiori’s Career Trajectory
Riccardo Calafiori, born on May 19, 2002, in Italy, has been recognized as one of Italy’s top young defenders. Known for his physicality, positioning, and marking abilities, Calafiori’s journey through several clubs before landing at Bologna includes:
- AS Roma to Genoa (Loan): January 14, 2022
- Genoa to AS Roma: July 1, 2022
- AS Roma to FC Basel 1893: September 2, 2022 for €1M
- FC Basel 1893 to Bologna: August 31, 2023
During his stint at Bologna in the 2023-2024 Serie A season, Calafiori made 30 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists. He demonstrated his defensive prowess with 233 duels, winning 147 of them, earning a rating of 7.223.
Arsenal’s Defensive Needs
Arsenal’s current defensive lineup includes players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and William Saliba. Despite having a solid squad, the left-back position has been a point of contention. Calafiori’s potential arrival offers timely reinforcement. Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, with recent acquisitions like David Raya from Brentford for €31.9M, aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season starting on August 17 against Wolves.
Broader Transfer Market Movements
While Arsenal focuses on securing Calafiori, Manchester United has also been making headlines with their transfer activities. Erik ten Hag’s side has seen notable departures like Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, while new additions like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have arrived for deals potentially exceeding £90 million. United continues to eye further reinforcements, with players like Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons linked to Old Trafford.
Calafiori’s Impact
If the transfer goes through, Calafiori will bring versatility to Arsenal, potentially filling the void at left-back and offering depth as a centre-back. His performances for Bologna and Basel, coupled with international experience with Italy, including a standout showing at the Euro Championship in 2024, highlight his readiness for the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s Vision
Mikel Arteta, who has led Arsenal to significant successes since his appointment in 2019, including an FA Cup and multiple Community Shields, will be keen to integrate Calafiori into his tactical setup. Arteta’s emphasis on a solid defense and dynamic playmaking aligns well with Calafiori’s attributes.
Conclusion
While the transfer remains a rumor for now, the endorsement from a club legend like William Gallas adds weight to the speculation. Arsenal fans eagerly await the final confirmation, hopeful that Calafiori’s addition will enhance their squad’s capabilities as they strive for Premier League glory. According to Gambling Zone, the signing of Calafiori could be a game-changer for the Gunners.
