Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on the club’s interest in Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, as the Gunners look to strengthen “certain positions” ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old Italian international impressed during the Euro 2024 Championships, despite Italy’s elimination in the round of 16.
His standout performances have drawn the attention of Arsenal, who are eager to enhance their squad after finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two Premier League seasons.
Speaking at the start of Arsenal’s three-match tour in the United States, held in Los Angeles, Arteta informed reporters that there was “no update” on the deal for Calafiori, who is valued at around £34 million.
Nevertheless, sources suggest that negotiations are progressing well, and a favorable resolution is anticipated soon.
“We have to,” Arteta said when asked if his side needs to improve. “When you are so close you want to grab it. Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that is what we have to do.”
Arteta highlighted the need to strengthen the squad’s resources while also ensuring a strong rapport with the current players.
“There is still a lot of time left in the window and while that is more a question for the board, obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have.”
Arsenal will wrap up their US tour with matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool before welcoming other key players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, to the squad. Rice and Saka are on an extended break following England’s Euro 2024 campaign, which concluded on July 14.
