Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old is set to sign a long-term contract and become their fourth summer arrival after Lucas Nygaard, David Raya and Tommy Setford joined earlier in the window.
The Gunners are expected to pay around £42.5million for his services after impressing in Serie A and for Italy at Euro 2024. Calafiori, who can play at left-back and centre-back, will significantly bolster their backline going into 2024/25 season as Mikel Arteta tries to get his side ready for another Premier League title push.
Elsewhere, a new midfielder is said to be on the agenda with Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz among those linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. As for those going out of the door, Fulham are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Emile Smith Rowe for a deal worth in the region of £35m. With that in mind, we have taken a look at the latest media reports surrounding Arsenal as well as a view on each one…
Roberto interest
Arsenal have made an approach to sign former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, according to SPORT. The 32-year-old, who is a free agent, is still searching for a new club after leaving Barcelona last month and has emerged as a surprise target for the Gunners.
He made 24 appearances last season and captained the side in their final home game of the campaign against Rayo Vallecano. Overall, Roberto played 373 matches and won a number of major trophies, including the Champions League, throughout his time at his boyhood club.
FL says:Sergi Roberto’s exit from Barcelona felt harsh at the time but it’s surely only a matter of time before he finds another club. Despite being 32 and entering the twilight of his career at the very top level, Roberto would still bring a lot of quality and ability to any side he signed for. As well as this, his experience and leadership is priceless and not many have achieved what he has.
Arsenal would do no wrong by signing Roberto on a free and handing him a short-term deal to give them another option, with the Spaniard able to play in midfield or right-back. Having lost Mohamed Elneny and Cedric upon the expiry of their contracts, he could help fill two squad roles in one and help push for a spot in the starting XI, something he would no doubt want.
Fabian talks
Arsenal have started initial negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Spain international Fabian Ruiz, according to The Transfers Podcast. Fabian impressed at Euro 2024 – grabbing two goals and two assists and being named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament as Spain won the competition for the fourth time.
He, however, has endured a difficult time at club level since moving to PSG for £18.1m back in August 2022 and could leave the club this summer. And now, it has been reported that the Gunners have initiated talks over a possible move for Fabian this summer as Mikel Arteta tries to bolster his midfield.
FL says: There does seem a theme of Arsenal being linked with signing Spanish players, but is there no surprise given how impressive they were at Euro 2024? I think not. And Fabian, other than Rodri, was arguably their best player at the tournament and could be a clever signing for the Gunners.
However, I do think Spain teammate Mikel Merino would be more suited to their system and Fabian does seem very similar to Fabio Viera and Martin Odegaard, meaning signing the PSG midfielder could be pointless. There is no doubt Fabian would give Arsenal another quality option, though.
