Arsenal now want to sign £34m defensive star who won 71% aerial duels last term – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer.

The 22-year-old has made a big impression over the past year. He was an undisputed starter in Bologna’s backline last season as they qualified for the Champions League.

The Serie A outfit were initially aiming to keep the Italian star for another season but they are starting to believe it is almost impossible with the growing interest in him, as per Matteo Moretto.

Juventus have already expressed an interest, but now face competition from Arsenal and several Premier League clubs. An auction may take place in the next few weeks.

Calafiori could replace Jakub Kiwior at Arsenal

Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna last term, registering two goals and five assists. He primarily played as a central defender, but featured as a left-back too.

He was brilliant from both positions with a passing accuracy of 90 percent. He registered 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 2.5 clearances per league game.

The Italian also made an impressive 6.5 ball recoveries on average and was brilliant with his aerial challenges. He won 71 percent of his aerial duels for Bologna.

In our opinion, he would be an upgrade on Kiwior, who won only 59 percent of his aerial duels with 1.8 recoveries. The Pole had a passing accuracy of 85 percent.

Kiwior has been linked with a possible return to Serie A with Juventus and AC Milan keen.

Calafiori could be prised away for around £34 million, but the big question is whether the defender will consider a move abroad during the current transfer window.

Italian players tend to prefer joining Serie A giants. It has been a trend. If he were to join Arsenal, they may need to assure him regular minutes, likely from left-back.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com