Arsenal are reportedly set to demand at least €40 million for Riccardo Calafiori amid links over a return to Serie A in the summer.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal will demand at least €40 million to sell Riccardo Calafiori in the summer. The Italian defender has seen links with a host of Serie A’s top sides, including Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli, but there is still no clarity on whether Mikel Arteta wants to part ways.
Reports from Italy point to a possible exit for Riccardo Calafiori in the summer, with a host of the big Serie A sides being linked with a move. There are a variety of reasons, with his inability to cement his place as a starter in Mikel Arteta’s side being the primary one.
Calafiori has assumed a key role in Arteta’s plans, and yet there are suggestions in the media that the club are looking at new left-back options in the summer. The report also emphasises that the defender would like to return to Serie A, where Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli are keen.
Antonio Conte would reportedly be interested in signing Calafiori as a replacement for Premier League-linked Alessandro Buongiorno. The idea of signing a high-quality defender such as the Arsenal man would be a good statement for the reigning Serie A champions to make, but Arsenal’s €40 million asking price could prove problematic.
Arsenal are seeking at least €40 million for the defender, while his €4 million-a-year salary may also prove somewhat challenging for Italian sides to match. Juventus are also thought to be interested, as they are seeking to make fundamental changes to their backline, and Calafiori’s tactical flexibility would suit the Bianconeri.
Will Inter Milan chase Riccardo Calafiori?
The biggest interest is seemingly coming from Inter Milan, as they may have to replace Barcelona-linked Alessandro Bastoni. The Nerazzurri defender is in talks with the Catalan giants, and there might not be a better player than Calafiori to succeed him at the San Siro. Inter Milan may also not find it problematic to agree to personal terms with the €4 million-a-year Arsenal defender.
Arsenal have no interest in selling Calafiori amid Serie A links, as Arteta might continue to view him as a key member of his plans. With a long-term contract in place, the Gunners have no reason to feel under pressure, as their manager seemingly likes what Calafiori brings to his tactical plans and how he has integrated into the system without any issues.