Arsenal have found the perfect fit, while a game-changing addition could form a lethal partnership with Bukayo Saka
If the transfer market worked like a dating app, Mikel Arteta's search criteria would see him tick “tall”, “technical” and “adaptable” almost every time he logged on.
Size matters to the Spanish, along with skill and multi-functionality.
Look at Declan Rice, Kai HavertzJurrien Timber, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior. All of them are physically powerful signings of theirs, who are excellent with the ball but who are not defined by a single role.
To play fluid football like his, you need players who can move seamlessly from one area to another.
The big names are also a key part of Arteta's brand.
Those imposing Patrick Vieira-style tunnel confrontations can intimidate opponents (which sometimes helps) and after winning so many extra points through mastery of set-pieces, it's a strategy that is sure to continue.
Caliafiori: the perfect fit
So when you think about it, Arsenal are looking for Italian Riccardo Calafiori in the summer It makes sense on almost every level.
It meets all the requirements I have mentioned and fits perfectly with the model being created at the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old is an elegant central defender with height, pace, bravery, a strong reading of the game and fantastic quality on the ball.
It was fantastic to see how he carried his game forward with Luciano Spalletti's side at Euro 2024, as well as his progressive distribution.
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Arteta will have noticed this long before he kicked a ball in the competition, of course.
In Serie A with Bologna last season, Calafiori made rapid progress and added five assists in his last ten starts.
Left back option
A crucial aspect, and certainly not a coincidence, is that the youngster can also play comfortably as a left-back, a position that is very much available.
At first sight Arsenal Left-back appears to be very busy, with Timber, Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all viable options.
But if we remove a few things, the reality is different.
Tomiyasu is more of a right-back, with Tierney unlikely to be in Arteta's plans, while both Kiwior and Zinchenko are being linked with transfers.
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The Pole is more likely to be called out in search of regular playing time, and the Ukrainian could become an option in left midfield, having lost some form and confidence in the defensive side of his game.
In form again, Timber will likely start the 2024/25 season at left-back, and deservedly so, but if Kiwior leaves and Zinny is not under consideration, the team will need a natural left-footer like Calafiori to fill that void.
Breaking up the division's best centre-back duo is not under consideration, but in terms of coverage Guillermo Saliba Or as Gabriel Maghalaes says, you're not going to get any better than the highly-rated Italian.
Arsenal were lucky to keep both of their centre-backs fit throughout last season, but they may not be so lucky this time. They must be prepared.
Remember that Arteta also loves a back four containing a quartet of centre-backs.
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Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis was criticised for doing the same, but Arsenal's defence doesn't just kick and head. White and Calafiori are complete footballers with the ability to create and build plays with fluidity.
Offering the same technical prowess as a diminutive full-back, whilst also adding value to Arsenal's arsenal when attacking and defending set-pieces, why not use them there?
At a good age and with the potential for massive development, Calafiori feels tailor-made to be a key part of this Arsenal team going forward.
I really hope this is a successful movement.
It would be nice to have Nico
I'm also excited that Arsenal are in the mix to sign Nico Williams, a Player of the Tournament candidate in Euro 2024.
Like Calafiori, the Spanish winger meets all of Arteta's criteria.
We know the Arsenal manager can be ruthless if he thinks a position can be improved, even when the current starters are doing very well. Just ask Aaron Ramsdale about that.
Should Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus then be a little worried about their place on the left flank of the Gunners' attack? Maybe.
Trossard's lethal accuracy and versatility will ensure he has plenty more opportunities, but after sub-par seasons under Martinelli and Jesus, it will be fascinating to see whether Arteta opts to bring in someone above them.
Williams' numbers in La Liga are certainly outstanding for a 21-year-old.
With 11 assists, he was a constant threat to the full-backs throughout an excellent individual campaign with Athletic Bilbao.
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If Williams does move to Arsenal and plays on the left, he would also offer useful cover for Bukayo Saka on the other side as well.
The Spanish international is not worried about the prospect of changing sides.
Williams, who will face many opponents next season who will try to stifle Arsenal with defensive tactics, could be a superb, skillful, game-changing addition.
There is no time to stand still
Given they are so in demand, let's not be too quick to suggest Calafiori and Williams are done deals, but these links do show that times are changing in North London.
Arteta has not come this far to sit back and hope for the best.
Okay, there's no title to prove it yet, but these are good times at N5 and he knows Arsenal's current appeal needs to be exploited in the transfer window.
Top players will surely be interested, and if he can seal deals to recruit two of Euro 2024's brightest young stars in the coming weeks, it will be the perfect way to encourage others to follow.
