Fabrizio Romano confirms highly-rated defender is open to joining Arsenal

Arsenal are expected to make moves in the transfer market this summer to strengthen their squad.

The Gunners are determined to challenge Manchester City again for the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta is eyeing a new striker, a defensive addition and a new midfielder this summer.

A lot still depends on the sales but these three positions are currently being considered by the North London club.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an encouraging update about Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is being eyed by the Premier League club for a summer move.

Romano mentioned on his Playback channel that the Gunners are confident about signing the Bologna defender as they feel he is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The North London club are serious in their pursuit of the Italian international but their Premier League rivals Chelsea are also looking at him.

Romano said on his Playback channel:

“Arsenal are really attacking the situation for Riccardo Calafiori. After interest was confirmed last week, the same also for Chelsea, Arsenal have presented their project to Calafiori and his agents. There is a proposal in terms of the players’ side on the table from Arsenal – they are very serious for Calafiori, and it is a long-term proposal.

“Why are Arsenal so serious? Because there is also Mikel Arteta. The manager is pushing for this possibility. Arteta wants Calafiori. Arteta has approved Calafiori as one of the three players they have in the shortlist.

“There is still no formal proposal to Bologna from Arsenal, it’s just a negotiation at the moment on the players’ side. All we can see is that Arsenal feel Calafiori is open to joining them this summer. So the player is ready to give green light to Arsenal as well as he did for Juventus.”

In an attempt to strengthen their defense for the next campaign, the Gunners have identified Calafiori as a summer transfer target and want to add a left-footed defender.

Arteta needs depth in defensive areas

Calafiori had a fantastic season for Bologna in Serie A and attracted attention for Italy with his performances at the European Championship.

The Gunners have a good relationship with his club Bologna, who sold Takehiro Tomiyasu to the Premier League club.

The Italian defender will add quality, depth and a new dimension to the Gunners defense and it is understandable why Arteta is interested in signing him.