The Emirates Stadium has felt a sense of shock after Arsenal reportedly claimed that it wishes to get rid of Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal has been dealing with internal issues for a long time now. These problems have also impacted its game and form. Mikel Arteta has released some serious statements regarding the 23-year-old’s physical condition.
Arsenal Plans A Massive Exit This Season
The journey of Riccardo Calafiori in Arsenal was promising and aspiring. He enjoyed playing with the team. His performance was top-notch during the beginning of this season. Calafiori’s 2025-2026 season wasn’t very exciting because of constant health problems. He was last seen in the match against Wolverhampton. The game was a draw.
The 23-year-old suffered a late injury while playing against Wigan on the 15th of February. Although he quickly recovered from the injury, things did not go very well afterwards. Calafiori also went through a critical time during the months of November and December. He joined Arsenal with enthusiasm and confidence. However, his fitness has made people question the young defender’s routine and diet. Arsenal signed him for £42 million from Bologna. Calafiori has been absent from almost twenty Premier League fixtures.
Updates On Riccardo Calafiori Situations
A recent FA warm-up has generated new incidents revolving around the young defender. Calafiori suffered yet again from a pre-match injury while playing against Wigan Athletic. This marks his second injury of the season. He was immediately rushed to medical supervision after reporting the injury.
🚨 REPORT: Arsenal are reportedly open to letting Riccardo Calafiori leave this summer amid increasing concerns over his injury record.
Calafiori had been set to return to the starting XI in the FA Cup clash against Wigan, but suffered another setback during the warm-up.
A… pic.twitter.com/eJIbcsvjm8
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) February 18, 2026
The series of injuries has given the club owners a reason to replace Calafiori. People have started a debate on his lack of fitness and poor schedules. He has become an over-the-table topic now. Reports have confirmed that discussions regarding his exit have started among the club executives.
Arsenal has already reached the final stage of Victor Vildepenas deal. Arteta is all set to welcome the Real Madrid star to his team. Vildepenas would be a direct alternative to Calafiori. Arteta currently hunts for young individuals who are fit and active. The Spanish manager wants to avoid any sort of injury crisis before the finals. This Real Madrid player is more like an improvising factor in the team’s defensive position. He would maintain the spot after Calafiori leaves Arsenal.
Fans React To This News
Fans have expressed their mixed emotions regarding the unfortunate exit of Riccardo Calafiori. Although the club hasn’t released any official statements yet. But sources strongly claim that the discussions have reached a conclusion. Arsenal has always applauded Calafiori’s versatility and enthusiasm to give his hundred percent in every game.
The exit would be solely based on his lack of fitness and health problems that tend to reoccur. Social media platforms have exploded after the news has been out. Arsenal and Calafiori relations have taken over the internet. Calafiori has gained massive popularity after the phenomenal performance of Arsenal at the beginning of this season. People loved watching him play. His fans have expressed dissatisfaction. They believe that Calafiori should be given another chance to prove himself.
How The Exit Impacts Riccardo Calafiori & Arsenal Both
As per reports, Riccardo Calafiori’s net worth and valuation have risen after being a part of Arsenal. This suggests that the Italian footballer will surely have a bright career even after leaving The Gunners. He has a perfect blend of technicality and speed. The player only needs to work on his fitness. Calafiori has the potential to become unstoppable once he conquers his weak points.
🚨 Arsenal will be willing to let Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori leave in the summer amid growing concerns about his injury record.
Calafiori was all set to make an injury comeback from the start in Arsenal’s FA Cup game against Wigan, only to suffer a new injury in the… pic.twitter.com/X9p7OkX6Wz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 17, 2026
The 23-year-old Italian defender would be able to kick-start a fresh career after recovering from his current injury. A departure would help him grow from the current scenario. It is beneficial for both Arsenal and Calafiori. Planning Calafiori’s exit gives Arteta a free space to recruit young talents. At this moment especially, the team needs better performers.
Author’s Opinion
While Calafiori had experience, a new player would bring youth to the squad.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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