Stuart Pearce warns Arsenal fans about new signing Riccardo Calafiori's weakness
Arsenal have been warned that while new signing Riccardo Calafiori looks brilliant on the ball, there is a weakness in his game that could be cause for concern.
talkSPORT understands the Gunners have reached an agreement in principle with Bologna to sign the 22-year-old defender, known for his versatility in the back line.
Calafiori will reportedly head to London on Friday evening to complete his medical and then fly out to join up with the rest of his new squad. Arsenal Teammates on their preseason tour of the United States.
Italian is a youth product of Romesigning his first contract in the summer of 2018.
After a season with Swiss side Basel, he joined Bologna It was only last summer, when coach Thiago Motta moved him to central defence, that he became one of the best players in Serie A.
Earlier this year he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League for the first time in almost 60 years and, after impressing at Euro 2024 with the Italian national team, Arsenal were quick to sign him.
The north Londoners already have William Saliba and Gabriel as their centre-back pairing, who were rock-solid for Arsenal in their bid to beat Manchester City last season.
But Calafiori is also capable of playing as a full-back, according to talkSPORT. Stuart Pearce drawing comparisons to another Gunners star.
“Ben White managed to be a centre-back who turned him into an attacking full-back and I think Calafiori is one of them,” said the English legend in the White and Jordan show.
“He's one of those defenders who is happy to move forward with the ball, something he demonstrated well at the Euros.
“I don't think I'll have many problems there.”
However, Pearce highlighted one area where he believes Calafiori may struggle, despite his impressive record.
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“The only problem I might have is when I have to defend those one-on-one situations on the wings,” he added.
“How good is he at that? And that's the mark of a good full-back.”
If Arsenal are able to complete the signing, Calafiori could feature on Sunday when the Gunners face Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
The Italian would be Arsenal's first signing of the summer transfer window, but their second official deal after activating the £27m release clause for Turning David Raya's loan from Brentford into a permanent transfer.
The north London club have also added two new goalkeepers, Lucas Nygaard from FC Nordsjaelland and Tommy Setford from Ajax, who have joined the ranks of their academy.
