Arsenal is now the top contender to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal has the most solid interest in signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori outside Italy.

The Italy international enjoyed a successful 2023/24 season with the Serie A club. He was a constant presence in their backline as they advanced to the Champions League.

Calafiori went on to excel for the Azzurri at the European Championship, and Bologna now faces the possibility of losing his services during the current transfer window.

Bologna's technical director, Giovanni Sartori, recently told Sky Sport Italy that the club would love to have the 22-year-old on their roster for another year.

If he decides to go, the club chairman has stated that the defender may have to relocate abroad because he is unlikely to be given a transfer to Serie A rivals Juventus.

Calafiori might replace Kiwior at Arsenal.

Calafiori has made a significant impact since moving to Bologna from Basel last summer.

He developed an excellent centre-back partnership with Jhon Lucumi for the Serie A club and also played a few games at left-back.

His adaptability could be one of the key reasons for the Gunners' interest. Arsenal appear to be looking for a versatile left-footed defender to replace Jakub Kiwior.

Calafiori would be an improvement over him. Last season, the Italian made 37 appearances for Bologna, scoring two goals and assisting five times. He had a passing rate of 90%.

The dynamic star averaged 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, and 2.5 clearances per league game.

He also averaged 6.5 ball recoveries and excelled at aerial battles. He won 71% of his aerial duels in the Serie A season.

Kiwior, on the other hand, won only 59% of his aerial duels and recovered 1.8 times. The Pole had a passing accuracy of 85% and appeared vulnerable to a direct runner.

Calafiori might be sold for £34 million, and Arsenal could recuperate some of the cost with Kiwior's departure.

Comments

The most intriguing Euro 2024 quarter-final ties are listed.

It seems like only a few days ago when fans around the continent sat down to watch Germany thrash Scotland in the opening match, but the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 is already just around the corner. This summer's tournament has delivered amazing moments and some significant scalps, but none of the competition's minnows have made it to the last eight. Instead, Europe's major boys have all advanced, with the exception of incumbent champions Italy, who were eliminated in the final 16. Not all of the continent's titans have realized their full potential in Germany, but if they want to raise the Henri Delaunay Cup on July 14, they must rediscover their mojo soon. Here are the four quarter-final ties of Euro 2024, evaluated by how entertaining they will be to watch. 4. England vs Switzerland England is the least exciting team to watch at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate's side has been very poor, especially considering the talent available. There has been little to sug...

Tactical Breakdown: How Toulouse's Strategy Led to a Dramatic Comeback Against Marseille.

Cup competitions are often defined by drama, unpredictability, and unforgettable tactical battles. The quarterfinal clash between Toulouse FC and Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de France in 2026 delivered exactly that kind of spectacle. What began as a match seemingly under the control of Marseille eventually turned into a remarkable comeback engineered by Toulouse through intelligent tactical adjustments, disciplined teamwork, and relentless belief. The match illustrated how football at the highest level is often decided not only by technical ability but by strategy, adaptability, and mental resilience. Toulouse’s turnaround did not happen by accident; it was the result of a carefully executed tactical plan that gradually dismantled Marseille’s early dominance. From defensive reorganization to rapid counterattacks and strategic substitutions, Toulouse demonstrated how a team can transform adversity into victory. The High Stakes of a Coupe de France Quarterfinal The Coupe de Franc...

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes receives his first club red card. 🟥.

There was a lot of discussion right before halftime during Manchester United's match against Tottenham on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's side fell behind at Old Trafford in less than three minutes as Micky van de Ven raced 70 yards and teed up Brennan Johnson to grab the lead. United had the woodwork and Andre Onana's instinctive movement to thank for not allowing another goal, but things quickly got worse. Captain Bruno Fernandes received a direct red card for a high, studs-up challenge on James Maddison. The Portugal international has received a lot of criticism for his dismal performances this season. Fernandes has zero goals or assists in nine games and has received his first red card after 242 appearances with the club. Tottenham won the game 3-0 and moved up to eighth place, while United is in 12th.

Inside Mary Earps' 'All In': The Controversial Decision That Led To Her Unexpected Retirement.

An Icon at a Crossroads Mary Earps burst onto the international stage as a commanding presence in goal, helping England secure their first major women’s international tournament victory at Euro 2022 and their historic run to the World Cup final in 2023. Her performances not only won trophies but also hearts—a fierce competitor, a passionate leader, and a vocal advocate for women in sport. But beneath the surface, unresolved tensions, challenging management decisions, and personal convictions set the stage for a dramatic and divisive exit. In “All In,” Earps chronicles a journey defined by more than just football—it becomes a story of personal integrity, leadership under pressure, and the unvarnished realities of top-level sport. This blog takes you inside Earps’ memoir and dissects the pivotal moments and decisions that ultimately led to her headline-grabbing retirement. Mary Earps: From Triumph to Turbulence The Rise Earps’ rise mirrored the ascendancy of the Lionesses. After debuti...

The new Champions League format is faulty. So, who is it actually for?

It speaks something about the new Champions League that, as executives prepared to travel to Nyon for Thursday's draw, one of the most often asked questions was, "How does this actually work, then?" Many others are still wrapping their heads around it. They will not be alone. UEFA has had to issue a deluge of explainers for the expanded 36-team super-group stage. It implies that the draw will do more than merely determine who plays who in a series of relatively meaningless group games. It is the first phase in a three-year process that will transform our understanding of and interaction with football. This will not be the last time someone approaches one of the main events and wonders how it works. There's also the World Cup, which is expanding to 48 teams while simultaneously losing its feeling of self-contained elite competition. In between, there's the increased 32-team Club World Cup at the end of this season, assuming it even happens. It truly is a new era, c...

Dribble Diaries

Search This Blog