Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori is now into his second season at Arsenal, having joined from Bologna in 2024. The defender is increasingly being monitored for a return to Italy.
Earlier this month,Sport Witness covered L’Interista’s claims about Inter Milan’s interest in the versatile defender. They were confident that the Gunners would grant a sale for €50m in the summer, with Calafiori seen as a replacement for Alessandro Bastoni.
The outlet noted that the 23-year-old’s game time at Arsenal has dropped in recent weeks. This was a possible driving force for the Nerazzurri, who want to improve their backline.
Now, it is Juventus who are in the fray to sign Calafiori.
Evaluations being made on Arsenal transfer
Gazzetta dello Sport note that the Old Lady are keen on establishing an Italian spine in their squad for next season. Internal meetings have been held involving majority shareholder John Elkann, who shares the same view.
That is partly why Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as an option, with his reduced game time attracting attention in Turin. The Arsenal player is named as ‘first on the list’ and negotiations are possible in the coming weeks.
As of now, the defender is only being assessed. Formal talks will be the next step but Juve will reach that step on two conditions.
First is their Champions League qualification, with Luciano Spalletti’s side currently fifth in Serie A. Secondly, it will also depend on whether Calafiori forces through an exit from Arsenal.
This will help in reducing the Gunners’ price-tag, making it easier for the Bianconeri.
Our take: Timing around Calafiori links key
Speculation about the defender’s future has come around Italy’s failure to beat Bosnia in the World Cup playoffs final. This has brought about a narrative that Serie A clubs need more Italian players in their squads to take the country’s game to a new level.
That is why talking about Calafiori makes sense for newspapers and clubs. The idea that Juve and Inter want him also comes at a convenient time, with both clubs looking for defenders.
Arsenal have no reason to sell the centre-back, as things stand. They should ideally only sell Calafiori if a major offer is made. The way things are for Juve and Inter, they might not be able to afford a major fee.
The Nerazzurri might have a better chance, if they sell Bastoni. Even then, they aren’t known to spend big and they would rather sign three players from what they earn.
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➡️ Gunners could make formal offer in summerhttps://t.co/u7LuPMgUyJ #afc #bvb
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 3, 2026