Arsenal appear to finally be on the verge of securing the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori after weeks of speculation.
Mikel Arteta has consistently invested funds in defensive options but he is now going for one more.
Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all been signed under Arteta.
Arsenal are still keen to add more options though and a left-footed player has become a key priority.
Arsenal want more cover for Gabriel whilst potentially starting the player at left back – and that is exactly what Riccardo Calafiori offers.
HITC understands that a ‘broad agreement’ has been in place for Bologna defender Calafiori for a couple of weeks now.
HITC also understands that a medical is now imminent with Calafiori set to put the finishing touches on his move to North London.
Riccardo Calafiori nickname explained
Calafiori was superb at Euro 2024, emerging as one of very few Italy players with any kind of credit.
A tough but elegant defender who can play at left back or centre back, Calafiori has impressed with his ability to carry the ball forward.
Arsenal fans will no doubt take to Calafiori quickly and will look to help him feel right at home at the Emirates Stadium.
Some will wonder about a nickname for Calafiori as he prepares for life at Arsenal.
Fan favourite Bukayo Saka goes by ‘little chilli’ at Arsenal, so what will Calafiori go by upon his arrival?
‘Ricky’ seems a strong shout but Calafiori will actually arrive in North London with a nickname already attached to him.
The Athletic noted in June that Calafiori’s nickname in Italy is ‘ruspa’ – which translates to ‘bulldozer’ in English.
Calafiori lived up to that nickname with a driving run forward against Croatia at Euro 2024, picking out Mattia Zaccagni to score.
The nickname was given to Calafiori by his father and Arsenal will certainly hope to see that bulldozing quality one display once he secures his move.
Calafiori ready for Arsenal arrival
Calafiori is tall and athletic but also more than comfortable on the ball, so we could see him bulldozing opponents at both ends of the pitch.
Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano has all but confirmed that Calafiori is on his way to Arsenal and the hype around his arrival is already building.
It may take some time for Calafiori to adjust to life in the Premier League and also in Arteta’s system.
Arteta may want Calafiori to invert into midfield and whilst that will take some learning, he certainly had the ability to make it work.
Calafiori looks to have a huge future ahead of him and he could become Arsenal’s ‘bulldozer’ for a long, long time to come.
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