Barcelona will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, with Inter Milan also interested in him.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, versatile Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the coming months, with Hansi Flick keen on integrating a left-footed central defender into his squad.
The Barcelona head coach wants to “add a left-footed player who can contribute to ball distribution and tactical discipline” to his squad’s defensive unit. However, the Blaugrana will not be alone in the battle for Calafiori’s signature, as he is also a target for Inter Milan.
How has Riccardo Calafiori fared at Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori has made substantial progress since joining Arsenal from Bologna in a deal worth £42 million, including add-ons, in July 2024. While the 23-year-old took some time to get going and endured some fitness issues, he has been one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League in the last two seasons.
The Italian international has been a utility man and an asset for Arteta, as he can play as a centre-back and a left-back. Calafiori has made over 50 appearances thus far while chipping in with four goals and five assists. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, with Barcelona and Inter Milan among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Inter Milan’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori makes sense. The Serie A table-toppers are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid concerns about Alessandro Bastoni’s long-term future due to his links with Barcelona. Additionally, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are in the twilight of their careers. So, Calafiori is a viable target for Inter Milan.
As for Barcelona, as iterated, the Catalan giants are working on the deal to sign Bastoni from Inter Milan. However, it is prudent not to keep their eggs in one basket, making Calafiori an option worth considering. Additionally, the Arsenal defender may even be a more appealing target than Bastoni, as he can play as a centre-back and a left-back.
Nevertheless, the reigning La Liga champions need a left-footed centre-back who can line up alongside Pau Cubarsi for a decade. With Andreas Christensen’s contract nearing its expiry and Ronald Araujo being unreliable, Barcelona must bolster the central defensive unit.
However, recent reports have claimed that the 23-year-old Italian international wants to return to Serie A if he leaves Arsenal. Additionally, Arsenal will likely demand a premium to sell Calafiori, considering his contract will expire in 2029. So, a summer move may be a tall order for Barcelona.
