Arsenal have confirmed a first summer arrival but fans may be more interested in the latest surrounding Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners have been quiet in the transfer market so far this summer but one deal has been almost nailed on.
Goalkeeper David Raya spent last season on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, with the deal containing an option to buy.
The Spaniard displaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s first-choice stopper, so a permanent deal always seemed likely.
HITC noted just a few days ago that a deal was all but done, it was just a case of announcing Raya’s stay.
Arsenal have now confirmed that deal with Raya signing a ‘long-term contract’ at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have more work to do though and a new defender could be heading to North London this summer.
Walter Sabatini on Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal
Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is one of few Italy players to have come out of Euro 2024 with credit.
Italy were disappointing in Germany but Calafiori emerged with real admirers.
A left-footed defender who can play as a centre back or left back, Calafiori dazzled with his ability on the ball.
Unsurprisingly, Calafiori is attracting interest – and HITC understands that he is open to a Premier League move this summer.
HITC understands that Arsenal are interested and rumours elsewhere have exploded around Calafiori this week.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Arsenal are close to landing Calafiori in a €50million (£42million) deal.
That news has not exactly gone down well in Italy, especially with Salernitana general manager Walter Sabatini.
The former Lazio, Roma and Bologna man has been quoted by Tuttomercatoweb as saying that Calafiori to Arsenal would be a ‘disaster’ for Serie A.
€45million would be ‘the minimum’ for Calafiori with Sabatini feeling that, whilst that price is a ‘huge sum’, there are other defenders of a similar quality going for even higher prices.
Sabatini highlighted that Calafiori is physically imposing and has so much quality on the ball, highlighting the way he crated a goal against Croatia at Euro 2024.
Sabatini clearly feels that Calafiori is worth more money and should be staying in Serie A, with his potential loss seemingly a gut-punch to the Italian.
“It’s a disaster when strong young players like him leave our league,” said Sabatini. “45 million euros as a valuation is a huge sum but there are defenders worth even more. I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game. Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran forty meters, took on the defence and passed the ball. These are plays if you only do if you have quality and courage and the courage to take risks and to sink the action is something only great players have,” he added.
Mikel Arteta loves using players with centre back experience as full backs.
Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber all had plenty of experience playing as centre backs before taking on full back roles under Arteta.
Calafiori’s ability to play in both roles may make him particularly appealing to Arsenal and his situation is one to watch closely in the coming days.
The post 'It's a disaster': Italian transfer chief reacts upon hearing Arsenal could sign £42m Euro 2024 star appeared first on HITC.
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