Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds after being asked about update on Riccardo Calafiori transfer following legal challenge
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a coy response when asked about the Gunners' pursuit of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori. The Spaniard refused to provide an update on the deal after facing legal challenges.
Arsenal finished runners-up in the Premier League for the second consecutive time last season as Manchester City won the title yet again.
The north Londoners have been linked with several players, including Calafiori, as they seek to reinforce their squad for the 2024-25 campaign. While Arsenal reached an agreement with the Bologna defender, the Italian club reportedly ran into some legal troubles.
Calafiori's former clubs AS Roma and FC Basel included sell-on clauses when they sold the player. This has led to issues over what portion of Arsenal's transfer fee to Bologna would be paid to Roma.
The Gunners have arrived in the United States for their pre-season tour and Arteta was quizzed on the transfer. When asked about the possibility of Calafiori joining the squad for their friendlies, the Spanish boss said (via Metro):
"I don’t know [if anyone will join us]. It’s still a lot of time to go in the window but that’s more of a question for Edu and the board I think. When you are so close you want to grab it. We are very close"
He was then asked to provide a timeline for the Italian's signing, to which Arteta responded:
"No, unfortunately not but obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short. We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better."
Arsenal will face Bournemouth in a club friendly on Wednesday, July 24.
"I think this is good business” - Pundit offers opinion on Arsenal's pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has given his nod of approval for Arsenal's pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori. The pundit believes the 22-year-old would be a great addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.
Should the transfer be finalized, the Gunners are expected to pay around £42 million, according to reports. While acknowledging it is substantial, Burley believes a defender like Calafiori would offer versatility for Arteta.
He hailed the Italy international and said on ESPN:
“Yes [he’s a good fit for Arsenal]. It’s a lot of money but not crazy. He’s a good age, got good experience, obviously a very good player and he can play a couple of different positions. He gives them that option of going to a back three. So I think this is good business.”
Calafiori earned three caps for Italy at the 2024 European Championships, recording one assist. The defender missed his side's Round of 16 defeat to Switzerland through suspension.