'Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal is a disaster'

Cameron Smith

5 Jul 2024 09:30 BST
3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori’s potential move to Arsenal would be a “disaster” to Serie A, according to Walter Sabatini.

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Calafiori, 22, is one of the hottest prospects in European football following an immense campaign at Bologna and he appears set to join Arsenal for a reported €50 million.

Chelsea, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are also extremely interested in purchasing Calafiori this summer, but they are on the verge of missing out on his signature following reports that Arsenal are close to finalising a deal.

Calafiori made 33 appearances in all competitions last campaign as he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 1964-65 season.

He was then Italy’s standout performer during a miserable Euro 2024 campaign, and he is expected to play at left-back if his move to Arsenal goes through.

However, Sabatini, general manager of Salernitana and a legendary figure in Italian football, believes losing Calafiori will be a massive blow to Serie A.

What has been said?

Sabatini told RadioSportiva (via Metro and TuttoMercatoWeb): “It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him [Calafiori] leave our league.

“€45 million as a valuation is a huge sum but defenders are paid even more these days.

© IMAGO - Riccardo Calafiori is set to join Arsenal

“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 [at Euro 2024]: 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 the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players do.”

Calafiori is expected to become Arsenal’s second summer signing, following confirmation that David Raya’s loan move to the club has been made permanent.