Arsenal are interested in signing a defender who excelled at Euro 2024
Arsenal are interested in signing Italian star Riccardo Calafiori after an impressive campaign with Bologna, talkSPORT understands.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their defensive ranks this season and have compiled a list of potential targets.
talkSPORT understands Bologna star Calafiori is among them, although nothing has been advanced in terms of negotiations yet.
Mikel Arteta saw his side finish second behind Manchester City for just the second time last season, a position the Spaniard is keen to rectify.
And signing a new defender is high on their agenda, despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League last season.
Calafiori has become a highly sought-after player during the transfer window after impressing for Italy during Euro 2024.
While the Euro 2020 champions had a poor tournament and were eliminated in the first knockout round, the 22-year-old was a shining light for the Azzurri.
This follows an impressive campaign at Bologna, where the defender played a major role in their creditable third-place finish in Serie A.
Bologna will play in the Champions League for the first time, although they face an exodus with coach Thiago Motta already joining Juventus and star striker Joshua Zirkzee linked with a High-profile move in the Premier League.
Calafiori is another who looks set to leave, with Arsenal leading the race for the former Basel ace.
3
3
However, several clubs are interested in the Italian, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Calafiori has been praised for his versatility in playing at left-back and centre-back and has been noted for his ability to operate in a hybrid role, coming into midfield from an inverted position which has quickly become a key tactical decision at some of Europe's top teams.
Juventus were reported to be the leading contenders to sign him, but Bologna director Giovanni Satori believes he will end up abroad.
“I don’t think he will end up signing for Juventus,” the club director said. “He could probably go abroad, if we decide to sell him.”
“We would like to keep Calafiori so we will see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal could see midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga leave for Sevilla, potentially on a permanent deal or on loan with an obligation to buy.
