Mikel Arteta is determined to enhance Arsenal’s defense this summer. His primary focus is on acquiring a new left-back, a position that has become a priority for the team. However, to accommodate this new addition, Arteta will need to make room by offloading some of the current players, a move that could see Jakub Kiwior making way.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also on the list of players Arsenal is open to receiving offers for, which could signify a significant change in their defensive strategy. The need for another left-back is clear, but there is also an argument for strengthening the central defense, especially if Kiwior departs. This dual requirement has led Arteta to target players who can offer flexibility and reliability in multiple defensive roles.
One such target is Riccardo Calafiori, a promising young defender from Bologna. Calafiori’s performances for Italy at Euro 2024 have been impressive, even though the team didn’t fare well overall. His ability to play both as a left-back and a center-back makes him an ideal candidate for Arsenal, providing much-needed depth and versatility.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Arsenal has reached an “agreement in principle” with Calafiori. The proposed deal would see the 22-year-old join the Gunners on a five-year contract, with wages around £3 million per year. However, the deal is not yet complete, as Arsenal still needs to finalize a transfer fee with Bologna.
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