Timber decision, Jorginho role – Dream Arsenal lineup after £42m Riccardo Calafiori transfer – We’re surely winning the league title this season
Arsenal are on the verge of securing their second major signing of the summer, as they prepare to once again challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season.
After making the loan deal of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford permanent, Arsenal’s transfer activity is set to intensify. The club is now closing in on signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori for an estimated fee of around £42.5 million.
Arsenal have already agreed on personal terms with the Italian international, and they aim to finalize the deal quickly. However, Bologna are not in a hurry to sell Calafiori, who still has three years remaining on his contract. Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024, playing every group stage game before being suspended for Italy’s Round of 16 loss to Switzerland.
With Italy now out of the tournament, negotiations for Calafiori’s move to north London are in full swing, though there are some hurdles. Reports suggest Arsenal have yet to match Bologna’s £42 million asking price. Additionally, complications arise from a sell-on clause included in Calafiori’s deal with Bologna by FC Basel.
Earlier in the transfer window, Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori expressed the club’s desire to retain Calafiori but acknowledged the likelihood of his departure. Sartori mentioned interest from several teams, including Juventus, but indicated that Calafiori might move to a different market.
If Arsenal manage to secure Calafiori, he would significantly strengthen their defense, particularly at left-back—a position that was problematic last season. Injuries to players like Jurrien Timber, who was sidelined after his debut following a £34 million move from Ajax, meant that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior had to shoulder much of the defensive burden. Calafiori’s addition would provide immediate reinforcement.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently reassured fans about the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad. He stated that the club is aiming to improve in every department and is actively seeking new signings across the pitch. Arteta acknowledged that the transfer market is challenging but expressed confidence in finding the right agreements.
The potential arrival of Calafiori would mean a defensive lineup similar to last season, with Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba retaining their places. Calafiori would enhance both the defensive stability and attacking capabilities of the team.
While there have been rumors about potential exits for players like Kiwior and Zinchenko, their versatility, along with Takehiro Tomiyasu, provides valuable depth. Meanwhile, with Thomas Partey possibly leaving, Jorginho is expected to join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the midfield. The attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli is likely to remain unchanged.
Arsenal’s potential starting lineup after signing Calafiori could be: David Raya in goal; a backline of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori; a midfield trio of Jorginho, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard; and an attacking front of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli.