On the back of a majestic showing at Euro 2024, the Italian Calafiori looks set to join Mikel Arteta's side as they bolster their ranks ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
While the Bologna man's arrival could spell the end of a popular defender's time at the Emirates, Calafiori provides Mikel Arteta with an essential replacement at left-back and centre-half.
Legendary England and Arsenal keeper Seaman believes that the Gunners' affinity for recruiting a new premier defender shows they've learned their lesson, specifically from the time when William Saliba's untimely injury hamstrung their 2022/23 title hopes.
When the run-in reached its climax in 2023, and Arsenal looked set to lock horns with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Saliba suffered a back injury against Sporting CP in the Europa League, ending his season.
Arsenal ultimately crumbled, but had their French defender not been sidelined, the outcome could've been very different. This is precisely why Seaman praised Arsenal's recruitment. The goalkeeper is impressed by the lesson Arsenal have seemingly learned as they look set to buy someone who could fill in for their first-choice defenders.
Speaking to Betway, Seaman said: "Arsenal have been linked with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, and that would be another improvement to the squad. William Saliba and Gabriel don’t get replaced in the starting lineup, but if Calafiori comes in, there will be more competition for places and depth in case of injury.
"Arsenal learned a tough lesson when Saliba was out two seasons ago. We missed him massively, and Takehiro Tomiyasu was injured then, so Ben White couldn’t move to centre-back.
Ex-Roma man Calafiori could soon grace the Emirates (
Image:
Getty Images)
"Whether the club need to sell one or two defenders will be on Mikel Arteta's mind now. It’s tough to say who might leave – Kieran Tierney is injured again and might be out for a while with a bad hamstring injury. As much as you want to continue buying players, you now have to balance the books with the profit and sustainability rules."
The Calafiori deal is reportedly progressing well, with a £42million fee still having its intricacies negotiated on and personal terms apparently already agreed with the defender.
As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal hope to secure the Italian's services before they jet off on their pre-season tour of the United States. That would mean sealing a deal by July 21st.
The Gunners have plenty of time to work with while negotiating with Bologna. If they are to bring in Calafiori, it would mean they have a solid backup should Saliba or Gabriel suffer injuries, or should the likes of Jurrien Timber need cover at left-back.
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