“He’d be a fantastic player for Arsenal” - Bacary Sagna urges Mikel Arteta to sign ‘calm and composed’ Euro 2024 star

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has urged his ex-club to sign Italy international Riccardo Calafiori. Calafiori has reportedly already filed a transfer request to Bologna to leave the club this summer.

The defender, who can play as a left-back and a centre-back, caught the eye with his performances for Bologna last season. He helped the club secure a UEFA Champions League place for the 2024-25 season.

Calafiori also impressed during Euro 2024 for the Azzurri, providing the assist in Italy's 1-1 comeback draw against Croatia. He missed the round of 16 defeat to Switzerland due to suspension.

Sagna has been impressed with Calafiori and asked Arsenal to sign the defender this summer, telling Paddy Power (via GOAL):

"Riccardo Calafiori is very good- I've followed him a lot in Serie A this season. I've seen a lot of Bologna games, and he's one of the reasons they were able to qualify for the Champions League."

The Frenchman added:

"He's calm and composed on the ball- he can break lines by committing and help the side out offensively. He'd be a fantastic player for Arsenal, any club he would join, he'd be a fantastic addition."

Mikel Arteta already has William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, and more in his ranks. Adding Calafiori to the side would give the Spaniard more options to work with.

Calafiori signed for Bologna in 2023 and is contracted until the end of the 2026-27 season. He has an estimated market value of €45 million, as per Transfermarkt.

Journalist provides assuring update on Riccardo Calafiori's Arsenal move

Riccardo Calafiori has been expected to complete a summer move to Arsenal. However, the movements around the deal have stalled a bit in recent weeks.

Journalist Dean Jones, though, has provided an assuring update, telling Ranks FC Ultras podcast (via The Boot Room):

"I spoke to someone last night and asked if this deal is still going through and he said 'yeah, we're not worried about this.' Maybe it's just a negotiation factor and details around the fee. I expect a proper update on Calafiori on Friday."

Jones added that the contact sounded confident and he expects news from both parties on Friday. Sealing a deal for a top defender like Calafiori this early in the transfer window could be a massive boost for the Gunners.