Riccardo Calafiori says that Arsenal are right to chase signing like Bruno Guimaraes and Vini Jr in order to secure dominance in the Premier League
Riccardo Calafiori has spoke glowingly of the potential incoming Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes
Riccardo Calafiori has spoke glowingly of the potential incoming Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Riccardo Calafiori insists signings like Bruno Guimaraes are what are needed for Arsenal to stay at the title-winning level. The Brazilian is set to be announced as the second most expensive signing in the club’s history after completing a move from Newcastle for around £75million.
After a lengthy transfer saga, the two clubs finally found an agreement, and Calafiori was asked how exciting it is to be linked to players such as the 28-year-old and whether it details the club’s ambition for the new season.
He said: “Of course, I think it's the level that we want to reach, and we want to stay at this level, and that's the season we want. The Premier League, I think, has to be a new cycle, and we want to stay at that."
The Italian defender has endured an emotional summer, having to sit back and watch his club teammates head off to North America to compete at the World Cup.
Italy were beaten in qualifying by Viktor Gyokeres’ Sweden, and the Arsenal full-back explained that the entire process made it too painful to even sit down and watch much of the tournament, while still being happy for his winning colleagues.
“I haven't watched a lot,” Calafiori admitted. “I said from the beginning because obviously I have so much pain in my tummy to not qualify, and also I kind of hurt how big it was.
“Even if you don't want to watch the World Cup, it's that big that everywhere you go, you still see it on TV every match.
“At the end, I was happy for the three Spanish guys that we have our team.”
That pain, however, is clearly set to become a motivator for the 24-year-old.
Injuries have plagued Calafiori’s career with the club, but the recharge over an uninterrupted summer will be a benefit, as will turning the hurt of missing the World Cup into a push for the new season.
“Yeah, I think I can use it, and as well, I think I had a good window to rest, and of course, I have to give this energy that I have still in my body for my team,” Calafiori said.
“I think I can help the team a lot this season.”
And despite being Premier League champions, it was evident that Calafiori had not forgotten the missed opportunities in the Champions League and League Cup finals.
Mikel Arteta said his side were ‘fuming’ after the defeat to Betis in what was only a pre-season friendly, and the pain of winning just the one trophy last season clearly remains branded into these players.
“I think it's not that complicated,” Calafiori said when asked about going to another level despite already being champions.
“Because obviously we reached two finals last season and we lost them. It's so easy to start again from there and to try to win it.”