Arsenal are on the verge of signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as they look to take down Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come up short twice in a row, just failing to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title.
Arsenal came even closer last year, taking the tile race right down to the final day of the season.
City still came out on top but Arsenal are now looking to finally overhaul Pep Guardiola’s side this time around.
Perhaps it will be a case of third time lucky for Arsenal, with the Gunners now ready to bring in another new signing.
Goalkeeper David Raya has already signed permanently but Arsenal are now ready to spend on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori too.
Riccardo Calafiori on Premier League comparison
HITC understands that Calafiori is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal ahead of completing a £34million move to North London.
The Italian defender impressed at Euro 2024 and is now ready to secure a big Premier League switch.
Formerly of Roma, Calafiori can play as a centre back or left back and his versatility will be welcomed by Arteta.
Jakub Kiwior may not share that excitement though as Arsenal are now ready to sell the Pole as Calafiori prepares to sign.
Calafiori’s ability to step forward with the ball will certainly be an asset and we may even see him inverting into a central midfield position at Arsenal.
That will evoke some comparisons towards John Stones, who has been vital to Guardiola’s success with City.
Calafiori has even made the comparison himself last season with The Athletic quoting him as saying that Stones is his ‘reference’ when going into midfield.
“His style of play is closest to mine,” Calafiori said. “Stones is my reference. It’s not off-the-cuff when I go into midfield. It’s following the guidelines of the coach. He saw me in this role. I’ve learned oceans off him. The coach is revolutionary, smart, demanding and clear in what he wants,” he added.
That description of former Bologna boss Thiago Motta sounds very similar to Arteta and he may well receive similar instructions from the Spaniard.
Stones really developed his game as a holding midfield player under Guardiola, moving into the engine room with great effect.
The England international was more of a conventional centre back at Euro 2024 but the success of his role with City has changed the game for many defenders – both centre backs and full backs – who are now being asked to go into midfield.
Calafiori could be one of them given that Oleksandr Zinchenko has operated in a similar manner during his time with Arsenal.
Watching Calafiori develop into that role should be great to watch, especially having seen glimpses of his quality on the ball at Euro 2024.
Calafiori will be studying Stones but also trying to take him down as Arsenal launch another Premier League title push – and Arteta will hope that his new man can make the difference.
The post 'His style of play': Arsenal-bound Riccardo Calafiori thinks Manchester City star is his 'closest' comparison appeared first on HITC.
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