Italian football expert and current general manager of Serie B club Salernitana, Walter Sabatini, has called Riccardo Calafiori’s potential move to Arsenal “a disaster” for Serie A, Soccernet.football reports.
Arsenal have identified the Italy centre-back as a key summer target to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad for another Premier League title challenge next season.
Calafiori joined Bologna from Swiss side FC Basel last summer and was converted from a left-back to a centre-back by Juventus manager Thiago Motta. He played 30 games for Bologna in Serie A, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1965 after finishing fifth.
The 22-year-old’s performances earned him a call-up to the Italian national team. He made his senior debut in June and started all three of Italy’s group stage games at Euro 2024, missing their last-16 exit to Switzerland due to suspension.
With Mikel Arteta aiming to close the gap on champions Man City, Calafiori appears to be a perfect fit to bolster Arsenal’s defence.
Calafiori is one of Serie A and Italy’s brightest talents, and Sabatini is worried about the long-term impact on the league if young players like him leave.
“It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league,” Sabatini told Radio Sportiva as per TMW. “€45 million as a valuation is a huge sum but defenders are paid even more.
“I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game.
“Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran 40 metres, took on the defence and passed the ball.
“These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage, and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do.”
Why is Calafiori so special?
A left-footed defender, Calafiori began as a left-back or left-sided wing-back before transitioning to a centre-back role at Bologna under manager Thiago Motta.
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He became one of the best defenders in Serie A during the 2023–24 season, known for his ability to start attacks from the back with his passing range.
The youngster is tactically versatile, capable of playing in a back three or a back four, and is often praised for his anticipation, aggressive style, and physicality.
His height makes him effective in aerial duels, and he is known for his technique and shooting from distance, as well as his ball-carrying ability.
Considered one of the most promising Italian talents of his generation, Calafiori was included in UEFA’s “50 for the future” in 2021.
