Riccardo Calafiori: The real reason why Arsenal splashed the cash on Euro 2024 star
- Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal bolstered an already water-tight defence with Riccardo Calafiori
- The old fashioned Bologna defender chose the North London club without reference to involved hobby from some top European clubs
- After missing Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool, he might perchance also manufacture his powerful-awaited debut against Leverkusen on August 7
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has published why the Premier League side splashed the money on Riccardo Calafiori.
The highly-rated defender, who made a title for himself at Euro 2024, joined the Gunners from Bologna in a deal potentially value £42 million with add-ons.
Source: UGC
Calafiori, in a position to taking part in each and every centre-again and left-again, has inked a 5-year contract with Arsenal that can support him unless 2029.
His arrival bolsters a line of defense that conceded handiest 29 targets and done 18 desirable sheets within the Premier League closing season, per Transfermarkt.
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Whereas Juventus and Valid Madrid also vied for his signature, Calafiori’s coronary heart used to be blueprint on becoming a member of the 2024/25 Premier League runners-up.
He expressed his eagerness to join Arteta’s squad, a sentiment that resonated with the club’s hierarchy for the length of discussions with the head coach and carrying director, Edu.
Arteta explained the reason within the again of bettering an already ambitious defence.
“Signing Riccardo Calafiori used to be regarding the numbers. We handiest had six defenders within the backline, and at this stage, you have faith to be in actual fact lucky to keep a season devour this,” he stated as cited by Tribuna.
The 42-year-frequent coach voiced concerns regarding the heavy reliance on defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who conducted considerably more minutes within the outdated season.
“We were on fable of William Saliba, as an illustration, and Gabriel Magalhaes nearly conducted every minute. We conducted more than 50 per cent more minutes than the outdated season.”
He emphasised the unsustainable nature of such a methodology, highlighting the dangers of having a bet on the same gamers year after year.
“And if we’re in a situation to enact that consistently over the following three or four years, that’s a expansive demand note. Obviously, that it is probably going you’ll no longer upright bet on that; that’s a expansive bet, and we don’t must take that bet.”
Arsenal boss takes swipe at rival clubs
Legit.ng also reported that following Riccardo Calafiori’s signing, Mikel Arteta seemed as if it might take a subtle jab at rivals, severely Chelsea, who were drawn to the Italian player.
Arteta’s remarks coincided with Calafiori’s comments about selecting the finest profession carrying out before departing Bologna, seemingly hinting at Chelsea.
Source: YEN.com.gh
