Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club’s intention to reinforce certain positions as they near the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. Speaking in Los Angeles at the start of Arsenal’s three-match tour of the United States, Arteta provided insights into the club’s transfer plans and the upcoming season.
While there was “no update” on the deal for the 22-year-old Bologna player, Arteta expressed optimism. Valued at approximately £34 million, Calafiori is a promising addition to Arsenal’s defensive lineup. Sources indicate that negotiations are progressing well and are likely to culminate in a positive outcome.
Focus on Central Midfield
In addition to strengthening the defense, Arsenal is also looking to bolster their central midfield. The Gunners have finished second to Manchester City in the past two seasons and are eager to close the gap. Arteta emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “When you are so close you want to grab it.”
Arteta acknowledged the high standards required to win the Premier League, saying, “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.” The manager underscored the importance of not only increasing the squad’s depth but also fostering a strong bond with the current players. “The main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have,” he added.
Pre-Season Preparations
Arsenal’s pre-season is in full swing, with players returning in stages. After facing Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the United States, the team will return to London. Key players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, will rejoin the squad later due to their involvement in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, which concluded on July 14.
Bukayo Saka’s performance in the tournament was particularly memorable. His decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals was a standout moment, especially after his missed penalty in the previous tournament’s final against Italy. Arteta reflected on this, saying, “I was very nervous. What happened a few years ago plays back in your mind, but he showed a lot of guts and determination and composure to take it the way he did.”
Saka’s role at Arsenal continues to grow, with Arteta describing him as a “super important player for us and one of the main players for the national team.”
Looking Ahead
With the transfer window still open, Arsenal is poised to make strategic additions to their squad. Arteta highlighted the need for the board to address these transfer goals, noting, “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.”
As Arsenal prepares for the upcoming season, the focus remains on closing the gap with Manchester City and achieving Premier League success. The potential signing of Riccardo Calafiori and other strategic reinforcements in key positions are steps towards realizing this ambition. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Bukayo Saka, Arsenal is determined to make the 2023-2024 season a memorable one.
