Arsenal Target Italian Star Riccardo Calafiori: Edu Must Beat Chelsea to Kickstart Summer Signings

Arsenal have identified Italian international Riccardo Calafiori as a key transfer target, football.london reports.

Despite a quiet start to the summer transfer window, Arsenal are keen to strengthen their squad.

So far, only youth player Lucas Nygaard has been added, with more academy reinforcements expected. Unlike last year, when Kai Havertz was already signed and strong links existed with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, this summer’s major acquisitions have yet to materialize.

Several factors have contributed to the delay. The summer tournaments, Copa America and European Championships, have occupied many players, and the Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline passed only at the end of last month.

This suggests that July will likely see more movement for the Gunners.

Additionally, Arsenal’s policy of keeping transfer dealings private to aid in negotiations and ward off competitors has made news scarce.

As Arsenal competes for top honors and top players, maintaining discretion in negotiations is crucial.

Arsenal’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori has been confirmed. With his national team duties at the Euros complete, Calafiori is now free to decide his future. Bologna has indicated they are open to his departure.

However, Arsenal faces competition from Chelsea for Calafiori’s signature.

The two clubs have been rivals in the market for players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Moises Caicedo, Gabriel Jesus, and Declan Rice.

Arsenal is in a stronger position than Chelsea, offering both Champions League football and a genuine title race prospect, having contended in each of the past two seasons.

Calafiori’s arrival could prompt Jakub Kiwior’s move to Italy, with Juventus reportedly interested.

Calafiori fits Mikel Arteta’s preferred defender profile: a left-sided centre-half who can also play full-back.

He would provide perfect cover for Kiwior, should he depart, and offer competition for Gabriel Magalhaes and next season’s starting left-back.