Arsenal's 'brilliant' signing reminds me of Barcelona icon Eric Abidal – he's definitely someone to get excited about

Riccardo Calafiori's “brilliant” performances at Euro 2024 will excite Arsenal fans as his move to the Emirates draws closer.

That is the opinion of European football expert Andy Brassell, who claims that Gunners With the Italians you are getting good value for money.

Bologna's versatile defender was one of Italy's few bright stars this summer in an otherwise disappointing showing by the former champions.

And his dazzling displays, coupled with his performances in helping Bologna secure the Champions League, convinced the Arsenal boss. Mikel Arteta to make a move for the Juventus and Chelsea target.

Brassell believes the Gunners boss will make the most of Calafiori's defensive versatility as they look to dethrone champions Manchester City.

The Bologna star began his career as a left-back until… persuaded to take a central role for a year at Swiss club FC Basel.

Calafiori has thrived since following the advice of his former coach Heiko Vogel, prompting comparisons with Barcelona The legend Eric Abidal.

“I guess there is flexibility with Calafiori “He's also there because we're looking at someone who's also comfortable at left-back,” Brassell told talkSPORT.

“He was a left-back before Thiago Motta made him a centre-back last season and I don't think there was much exciting about Italy during the Euros.

“But I think you look at the part where he set up (Mattia) Zaccagni's equaliser against Croatia.

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“When he went forward at full speed, he was a bit like Eric Abidal, wasn’t he? He was brilliant and that’s something that Arsenal fans are excited about.”

For Arsenal fans, the deal to bring Calafiori to the Emirates has been a slow process.

While the defender is close to being announced by the Premier League title contenders, there are still a few minor details to be ironed out before the transfer is finalised.

“What has really held him back so far is his former club, Basel,” Brassell explained.

“Yes, that's true. He also went through Switzerland, his part of the deal is to delay it.

“There are still negotiations between Basel and Bologna on how this could play out, because they seem to be getting a fairly large share of the benefits.

“But Arsenal are paying a lot for him and they are paying a lot for someone who looks like a thoroughbred, there is no doubt about that.”