Arsenal are unlikely to let Riccardo Calafiori leave this summer, despite mounting interest from Italy, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.
Arsenal signed the Italian international in 2024, beating out a number of other teams in a deal for more than £40 million. While the 23-year-old has suffered some injury setbacks during his time in north London, he has still made nearly 60 appearances for the club and is a valuable member of the squad.
Calafiori has spent most of his time at left-back, but he is also comfortable playing centrally, giving manager Mikel Arteta considerable defensive options.
Read Also:Joan Laporta Re-Elected Barcelona President After Landslide Victory
This season, he has been competing for minutes since the arrival of Piero Hincapie, with the Ecuador international impressing and aiming for a regular starting berth.
According to reports in Italy, Calafiori may be open to returning to Serie A, with league leaders Inter Milan among the clubs monitoring his situation.
AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli have also expressed interest if an occasion arises.
However, sources have confirmed to us that Arsenal has no plans to offload the defender and is totally committed to keeping him at the club.
Calafiori is said to be settled in north London and not actively looking to relocate away from the Emirates.
Arteta has long admired the Italian and sees him as a key member of the squad, while sporting director Andrea Berta has no intention of authorizing his departure.
An Arsenal source told us: “He is a big player for the club and has contributed significantly to where it is now. He’s an essential player.
COMMENTS