Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in recent weeks – and they’ve been handed a major boost, after the player reportedly said he ‘only’ wants to join the Gunners.

Speaking to Sky Sports, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “He has a high price because Bologna want €50 million plus bonuses plus a percentage [of future sale]. Arsenal is a bit less in their offer, but I think they will do the deal, yes. I think so [he will join Arsenal] because he wants Arsenal. In his mind, it’s only Arsenal.

“Even Chelsea tried to get him but the player said ‘no, I want Arsenal’ because I think Arsenal is considered by the player and his agents the perfect step for his career now.”

Will Riccardo Calafiori go straight into the starting XI at Arsenal?

Make no mistake – last season, William Saliba and Gabriel formed a formidable centre-back partnership. However, the Gunners lack depth in this position – Ben White is more useful when played as a right-back, as is Jurrien Timber. Furthermore, Timber is too susceptible to injury to be considered a reliable backup option.

Calafiori will certainly be a welcomed addition to the team, but whether he will automatically be thrust into the first team is a different story. While Gabriel is the weaker of Arsenal’s two main centre-backs, he is no slouch.

In many ways, Calafiori is a similar defender to both Gabriel and Saliba. He is very fast and is most comfortable when chasing defenders down, thanks to his tackling ability.

Mikel Arteta has shown in the past that he has no reservations when it comes to casting trusted squad members aside in favour of upgrades. A good example of this is how he dropped Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya when then latter was brought on board – as such, it would not be surprising to see Calafiori starting in the Gunners’ first Premier League game of the 2024/25 season.