Riccardo Calafiori: The Italian Defender Who Could Be the Key to Arsenal’s Title Dreams

Mikel Arteta’s hopes of wrestling the Premier League title from Manchester City could lie in this summer’s squad additions. The Spaniard has done everything in his power to turn Arsenal into legit title challengers, but pipping City to the title continues to evade him.

The addition of one of Italy’s few shining stars in a somewhat disappointing Euro 2024 campaign could be the key to Arteta’s third attempt to dethrone former mentor Pep Guardiola. Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori drew widespread praise for his performances in Germany, off the back of helping lead the unfancied Serie A side to a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Calafiori in action for Italy at Euro 2024

Labelled as one of the top-performing centre-backs at Euro 2024, Calafiori had only mastered the position for 15 months prior to his heroics in Germany. The defender, who credits John Stones as the player his game resembles most, broke through the ranks at Roma before making the switch to Swiss giants FC Basel. It was there that Calafiori’s football career changed forever.

A Change of Position: The Key to Calafiori’s Success

The then left-back entered into a chat with Basel interim boss Heiko Vogel in March 2023, who advised him to adopt a central role. Vogel admits the transition was easy for the Italian, who quickly displayed all the attributes needed to be a top central defender.

“Ricky, do you want to maximise your career?” said Vogel.

Calafiori replied: “What do you mean coach?”

“I think you are playing the wrong position.” Vogel told Sky Sports.

Heiko Vogel, the coach who helped Calafiori transition to centre-back

Most impressively, Calafiori boasts a host of impressive stats during last season’s march to the Champions League with Bologna. The Italian defender had the club’s best statistics for most interceptions, aerial duels won, and incredibly, the defender with the most assists in Europe’s top-five leagues.

A Move to Arsenal: A Good Fit for Calafiori?

It’s easy to see why Arsenal are keen on the Italian, but the north London outfit are likely to face competition from Chelsea and Juventus for his signature. For now, the Gunners appear to be leading the race with a formal approach anticipated in the coming days.

And a move to Arsenal would be a good fit for Calafiori, with Arteta’s men playing a brand of football suited to the Italian. “I like Arteta’s style, everything is about possession. Ricky likes possession,” Vogel added.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager who could be Calafiori’s next boss

“If you want to build up the game and have possession, he’s brilliant. If you followed the European Championships, his rushes into the midfield were breaking the opponents’ lines.” Vogel continued.

He has a very good heading game in defence or the offensive, he was very dangerous in front of goal from set pieces.

“He has everything,” Vogel concluded. “It shows that he’s really intelligent.” His game intelligence is very great, he can adapt to different systems, positions, and coaches. He has everything to get to the highest level.

Calafiori in action for Bologna

Could Calafiori be the key to Arsenal’s title dreams? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, the Italian defender has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level.