Riccardo Calafiori
Kallang-Singapore:23JUL2025-Riccardo Calafiori #33 Player of Arsenal in action during Festival of Football between Arsenal against AC Milan
Throughout his time at Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori has shown trademark versatility across the backline.
The Italian, who joined from Bologna, has featured at centre-back and left-back, becoming an important part of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Injuries held him back last season but Calafiori has turned a corner in the ongoing campaign. He has played 20 times in the Premier League, having started every single game until December.
The Italy international has now expressed a desire to return to AS Roma at some point in the future. He left the Giallorossi for Basel in 2022 after having made many first-team appearances in Rome, even impressing under Jose Mourinho.
It was then at Bologna that he attracted the Gunners attention.
Arsenal player has future plans of return
The 23-year-old spoke to SuperNova and was specifically asked about his time at Roma.
The defender said – relayed by Calcimoercato:
“I’d like to return to Roma sooner or later. Obviously, we can’t plan our career now, but yes, I can imagine it. Also because I left halfway , everything started out really well: goals, I even had the chance to play a bit more.”
Calafiori also expressed confusion over why he was let go by Roma when he joined Basel.
“Then, for various reasons, I first went on loan and then they sold me. It definitely didn’t go as I’d hoped, for several reasons. Returning also to celebrate under the Curva Sud? That’s also why.”
Immediate Roma return difficult
As of now, Calafiori’s contract at Arsenal runs out in 2029. That is likely to make a transfer difficult anytime soon.
Besides, Roma aren’t known to spend a big amount – especially on defenders. It is certain that several ex-Giallorossi players have a special relationship. Besides, Calafiori came through their academy and it is easy to see why he would want to return.
It would only take something special for a deal to go through. Calafiori is an important part of Arteta’s side and is thriving with Italy too. There is no reason for him to depart Arsenal.