Arsenal Pursue Chelsea Target Following Arteta’s Personal Recommendation by Gunners Star

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race alongside Chelsea to sign Italy international Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A club Bologna.

After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season, Arsenal are expected to be active in the summer transfer window.

Their priority targets include a new striker, winger, and center-midfielder, but recent reports suggest they may also be eyeing a center-back.

While William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain Arsenal’s first-choice center-backs, head coach Mikel Arteta is keen on adding depth to the position.

The 22-year-old Calafiori has caught the eye after a standout season with Bologna and a strong performance for Italy at Euro 2024.

Calafiori, who can also play as a left-back, made over 30 appearances for Bologna, helping them to a surprising fifth-place finish in Serie A.

His impressive form has attracted interest from several clubs, including Chelsea, who have reportedly made a lucrative offer to secure his services.

However, Arsenal have now intensified their interest in the versatile defender.

According to Football Transfers, the Gunners have contacted Bologna about a possible deal for Calafiori following a personal recommendation from Jorginho, who praised his Italy teammate to Arteta.

Bologna’s sporting director Giovanni Sartori indicated that while they prefer to keep Calafiori, substantial offers could prompt a sale.

Sartori noted that Calafiori is more likely to move abroad than join Serie A rivals Juventus.

“We only signed Calafiori 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens, but in our minds we want to keep him,” Sartori said. “There has been talk of Juventus, but also many other clubs.

If we were to receive big offers, we’d have to think about it. I don’t think he will go to Juventus, it will probably be abroad, but I repeat we will try to keep him.”