Mikel Arteta ‘is huge fan’ as Arsenal keen to sign £40M star

Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with some clarity given on why the Gunners want the Italy defender.

ARSENAL have been in the headlines alot over the past few weeks – but despite all the rumours and speculation – David Raya is the only player to make the move to the Emirates after he completed his permanent move to London.

However – there has been alot of transfer speculation about the potential signing of Calafiori from Bologna – a player that is attracting all sorts of clubs after his impressive performances for the Italian side last season.

Calafiori made 33 appearances for Bologna last season as they qualified for the Champions League. He impressed for the Serie A side and took that form into Euro 2024, where he was excellent for Italy during the group phase. Luciano Spalletti missed him when he was suspended for the Round of 16 defeat against Switzerland.

And amid the speculation – Fabrizio Romano claims that Arteta is a huge fan of the player – Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Mikel Arteta already approved the player and is a big fan of Calafiori and keen on bringing him to the club.

“Arsenal have a shortlist with three names for that position: a left footed talented defender, playing as a left back, playing as a centre back. Calafiori is exactly what Arsenal need in that position, and what Arsenal want to bring in in the summer transfer window.

“Now waiting for the next steps, something between Arsenal and Bologna, this is the crucial step, this is the crucial point. For sure Calafiori gives his green light to ARSENAL because he also knows that Juventus are almost no longer in the race. Juventus are considered out.”

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