Arsenal are set for a significant call over potentially selling a "difference-maker" this summer, amid a serious issue which could determine his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta makes PSG vow after Arsenal loss to Bournemouth
The Gunners have a season-defining Champions League semi-final second leg tie against PSG on Wednesday - a match that will truly shape the course of their 2024/2025 campaign and determine the success of Arsenal's year.
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Arsenal are on the hunt for a Leandro Trossard upgrade this summer.
Mikel Arteta's side trail 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé's early winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and they go into a testing clash at the Parc des Princes off the back of a shock defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Arsenal's final Premier League games Date
Liverpool (away) May 11th
Newcastle United (home) May 18th
Southampton (away) May 25th
However, Arteta has vowed to use the frustration and upset from that loss to Andoni Iraola's side as fuel to overcome PSG in the French capital.
“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference.
“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final."
One player who has been unable to contribute recently is 2024 summer signing and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.
odegaard-arsenal-champions-league-calafiori
The £42 million arrival has spent the last month out with a knee injury, and despite some excellent performances, injury absences have been the story of his first season.
Arsenal set for "big decision" over selling Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has been called a "difference-maker" for Arteta when fit and available, but reports from Italy are now claiming that Arsenal are prepared to sell the defender this summer as a result of his fitness issues.
Speaking to Football Insider, former chief Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the beautiful game, says that Arsenal have a "big decision" to make over letting Calafiori return to Serie A.
“It’s a decision Arsenal and Arteta have got to make,” he told Football Insider.
“They will know the extent of his injury issues and whether it’s going to keep cropping up. Then, they’ll weigh that up against what they know he can do when he’s fit and they’ll decide whether it’s worth keeping him on.
Riccardo-Calafiori-Arsenal
“There is interest in a move back to Italy and AC Milan have been mentioned as one of those teams. If Arsenal can make back the money they spent on him last year, they might think it’s the best thing to do given how many games he’s missed.
“His injuries are a major concern because if he can only play in 15-20 games a season, he’s not going to be somebody they want to keep on the books. But at the same time, there are a few players who look like they’ll leave Arsenal this year.
“They can’t let too many of them go because their depth is already an issue. So it’s a big decision for them to make and one they’ll sit down and discuss soon.”