"Could bring a title" - Pundit believes £40m-rated star could help Arsenal win the Premier League this year
Former English midfielder Leon Osman shared his opinion on £40 million-rated star Riccardo Calafiori, who joined Arsenal in July. The Italian defender signed a five-year contract with the Gunners valid until 2029 after arriving from Bologna.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League table behind Manchester City in the last two seasons. However, Leon Osman believes that Riccardo Calafiori can make a difference in the Gunners' title race this season. The pundit said (via TBR Football):
"Most exciting signing so far? Riccardo Calafiori – not one to get you out of your seat, but could bring a title."
Riccardo Calafiori arrived at Emirates Stadium after his one-season stint at Serie A club Bologna last season. The 22-year-old started his senior career at his boyhood club, Roma in 2020 and was on loan to Genoa in 2022 before joining Swiss club Basel.
In the last season, Riccardo Calafiori scored two goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances across competitions for Bologna. He contributed to the club qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964, by finishing fifth in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Arsenal lost the 2023-2024 Premier League title by only two points to reigning champions Manchester City. They are pitted against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first league fixture on Saturday, August 17, at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya on new signee Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya joined the Gunners permanently this summer after spending the last season on loan from Brentford. He recently heaped praise on their second signing this summer - Riccardo Calafiori. The Spanish shot-stopper told Sky Sports:
"First of all, he's a great guy. He's young, only 22, and he's hungry. In terms of football, he's a great player who has a great future. He can play left-back, he can play left centre-back. So, the first impression has been really, really good."
"He is very, very strong. He goes for the tackles. He just goes for it. He would put his head in a washing machine, if you know what I am saying. But the main thing is that he's a great guy as well as a great player," added David Raya.
Calafiori, who made his senior debut for Italy this year, played three matches in the Euro 2024, where he maintained a 92.67% passing accuracy.