Arsenal is set to enhance their squad by signing Italian international Riccardo Calafiori, but this move will likely necessitate the departure of one of their current defenders.
The Gunners are reportedly close to securing Calafiori from Bologna, with the club targeting him after his impressive performances during Euro 2024. This has drawn attention from multiple European clubs, including several from the Premier League.
However, Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, appears to be leading the race for his signature, with discussions on the transfer fee expected to take place this week. The plan is to have Calafiori join the team before their pre-season tour of the USA.
The potential arrival of Calafiori means that Arsenal will need to make space in their squad, which could result in the departure of Jakub Kiwior.
Despite being a well-regarded player within the club, Kiwior, who can operate as both a centre-back and a left-back, seems the most likely candidate to leave. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Arsenal is prepared to offload Kiwior, who joined the club in January 2023, to accommodate the new signing.
Calafiori’s standout performances at Euro 2024, particularly for an underwhelming Italian team eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16, have caught Arsenal’s attention. This has placed Kiwior’s future at the club in doubt.
Arteta previously acknowledged the challenges Kiwior faced, including limited playing time and being asked to play out of position, which affected his ability to perform optimally. Arteta emphasized the importance of players adapting to new roles but also highlighted the necessity of playing to their strengths.
Kiwior’s potential exit is not just driven by tactical considerations but also by the interest he has attracted from other clubs. AC Milan and Inter Milan have shown interest in the Polish defender, and Arsenal values him at £12.5 million, a price that reflects a significant loss compared to his initial signing fee.
Another player who could potentially be affected by Calafiori’s arrival is Oleksandr Zinchenko, valued at £38 million by Arsenal. However, it is Kiwior who is more likely to depart due to the concrete interest from Italian clubs.
Despite only spending a season and a half at Arsenal, Kiwior might find himself with limited playing opportunities should Calafiori’s transfer be finalized, potentially leading to his departure from north London.
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