Arsenal want £67.5m for Riccardo Calafiori | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori has been at Arsenal for less than a season, but there is already speculation that the defender could leave the Emirates Stadium for good this summer.

Arsenal signed Calafiori from Serie A club Bologna in the summer of 2024.

According to BBC Sport, Arsenal paid Bologna a fee of £42m including add-ons for Calafiori.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was hugely excited at signing the 22-year-old Italy international defender at the time.

“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website upon his signing.

Calafiori is a versatile defender who can play as a left-back or centre-back.

With William Saliba and Gabriel the two main centre-backs at Arsenal, Calafiori has played mainly as a left-back.

The 22-year-old has made 11 starts in the Premier League and four starts in the UEFA Champions League this season.

According to TuttoJuve, Real Madrid are interested in signing Calafiori from Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Los Blancos have been impressed by the youngster’s versatility and ability to adapt to different positions.

Interestingly, Madrid have also been reported to be ready to make a concrete attempt for Arsenal central defender William Saliba.

Juventus liked Calafiori before he moved to Arsenal, and now it is “impossible” for the Italian giants to sign him, especially with the Gunners reportedly asking for €80 million (£67.5 million).

View: Arsenal plan regarding Riccardo Calafiori is sensible

It seems that Arsenal are willing to sell Calafiori in the summer transfer window, but only if they make a profit of £25.5 million.

That is a very clever plan indeed.

Arsenal are a big and wealthy club who are now regularly challenging for the Premier League title and playing in the UEFA Champions League.

There is no need for the North London club to sell any of their players unless it is on their own terms.