Arsenal are closing in on a new signing as Mikel Arteta prepares to invest even more money on his defensive options at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners already boast one of the best defensive setups in Europe.
29 goals conceded in 38 Premier League games last season was simply incredible and it’s difficult to imagine Arsenal improving on that record.
Still, Arsenal are ready to invest in another defensive option this summer.
HITC understands that Bologna ace Riccardo Calafiori is on the verge of joining Arsenal.
The Italian is set to undergo a medical in the coming days ahead of finalising his move to North London.
Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024 and will now provide major versatility for Mikel Arteta.
Bologna boss on Riccardo Calafiori
Comfortable at left back or left-sided centre back, Calafiori is more likely to feature as a left back upon joining Arsenal.
That additional cover for Gabriel Magalhaes will be valuable though and Calafiori still has a huge future ahead of him at 22.
Calafiori is now ready to join an impressive group of Arsenal defenders, joining the likes of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
HITC understands that Arsenal would be open to letting Zinchenko leave the club this summer, whilst Kiwior could go too.
Calafiori may therefore play a huge role at Arsenal this season and moving forward, with the Gunners now prepared to get the deal over the line.
Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano is set to lose a key man and has been asked about the situation after facing Bressanone in a friendly on Wednesday evening.
As quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, Italiano admitted that Calafiori’s situation is ‘now clear’, as he will be joining Arsenal.
Italiano is hopeful of signings to strengthen the squad with Calafiori on his way out, even fielding questions about Mats Hummels replacing him.
Hummels has left Borussia Dortmund this summer and Italiano admitted that the thinks the German is a ‘world class player’, but wouldn’t be drawn on a deal.
“Calafiori’s situation is now clear,” said Italiano. “Let’s see what can arrive around the corner, we have three competitions to play, if someone arrives to strengthen us, welcome. Hummels? If you speak, he is a world-class player, experienced and of quality. Let’s see what happens, the management is working well and is working 24/7 to strengthen the team, let’s see what happens,” he added.
Italiano has all but confirmed Calafiori’s move, the second major blow to his team after Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United.
The deal has been praised by pundits such as Perry Groves and Frank Leboeuf, believing that Calafiori can really help Arsenal go up another level.
Calafiori certainly impressed at Euro 2024 and his ability to drive forward with the ball will certainly bring something new to the left back spot at Arsenal.
Confirmation of Calafiori’s move surely isn’t far away now after Italiano’s comments, handing Arteta another top defender ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
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