Why Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as Arsenal's top defensive target

 

The Euros have proven as good a tournament as any for a player to showcase their talent to the watching world. A player shining in a league that many many not frequently watch is an opportunity to really explode onto the scene, prompting talk of a summer transfer with the performances for the national team the icing on the cake. At Euro 2024, that player, more so than others, has been Riccardo Calafiori.

 

Italy crashed out of the tournament at Switzerland's expense last weekend, falling to a 2-0 loss in Berlin. Calafiori was suspended for the last-16 tie having been booked in the Azzurri's 1-1 draw with Croatia, a result in which he was key. Indeed, it was his run from defence that ultimately resulted in the assist for Mattia Zaccagni's 98th-minute equaliser against Croatia that saw Luciano Spalletti's side progress from Group B. 

 

Interest in Calafiori had been steadily rising prior to the Euros. The 22-year-old's performances for Bologna were essential as the Rossoblu secured a top-four finish. With manager Thiago Motta poached by Juventus, the defender was expected to follow the path to Turin but with both teams failing to agree on a fee, this opened the door for potential suitors to make their move. 

 

Notably, Arsenal now seem to be the frontrunners for Calafiori. Premier League rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool had also been credited with an interest but it's the Gunners who are pushing to land the youngster. On the back of a campaign that saw them concede fewer goals (29) than any other side and finish just two points off top spot, you'd think defence wouldn't be the first port of call for Mikel Arteta's side. 

 

 

Factor in that Arteta has his first choice centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes set, and the priority should lie elsewhere. However, Arteta not only likes his versatility but is looking to maintain a system that has four centre-backs operating across the backline. What makes Calafiori such an appealing target is that he not only shines at centre-back, but has experience of playing at left-back, too. 

 

While the right-back in Arteta's 4-3-3 system - in this case, Ben White - is expected to bombard down the flank to overlap Bukayo Saka, the left-back is expected to remain more reserved but have the confidence to step into midfield where necessary. It's no concidence that only Chelsea (30%) attacked down their left less often than Arsenal (33%) in the Premier League last season. The Gunners, meanwhile, focused 41% of their attacks down the right, the joint-highest such return. 

 

This is where Calafiori's experience of playing at left-back and desire to step forward comes into play. Despite starting just 26 of 38 games, Calafiori ranked sixth for interceptions (50) in Serie A last season and the confidence to step out of defence to help set his side on the frontfoot is a quality that hasn't been lost on Arteta. Arsenal after all ranked fourth for counter-attacking goals scored (7) in the Premier League last season and a player prepared to win the ball and bring possession out from defence will only help build on that return. 

 

 

It's a role that Oleksandr Zinchenko was signed to carry out but struggled with, especially in his second season at the Emirates. Jakub Kiwior was the more defensively sound option at left-back yet the 24-year-old didn't have the same attacking impact from the back. Calafiori, as evidenced by Italy's goal against Croatia, is more than willing to break ranks to help turn defence into attack. With Gabriel and Saliba to his right, he'd have the safety net that would allow the Italian to push forward if required that means Arsenal can really spring rapid counter attacks. 

 

A centre-back who can operate at left-back has been on Arteta's radar for some time now. Jorrel Hato was a target for the Gunners at the turn of the year, though appears set to stay at Ajax having signed a new contract with the Dutch giants, and now with a stronger chance of signing Calafiori; it's no wonder Arsenal swapped defensive targets. 

 

With Jurrien Timber set to benefit from a full pre-season following his return following a serious knee injury, Arsenal would be well stocked with fleixble operators to carry out a number of duties across the backline. As cover, too, for Gabriel, Calafiori is exactly the type of defender that will boost Arsenal's chances of knocking Manchester City off their perch.

Why Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as Arsenal's top defensive target