Arsenal Could Outbid Top European Clubs to Secure £42 Million Kiwior Replacement

Arsenal Eyeing Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal is positioning itself to outbid a major European club in the race for a highly-rated £42 million defender, who could potentially replace Jakub Kiwior, should he leave the club.

Edu Targets New Centre-Back for Arteta

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, alongside manager Mikel Arteta, is keen on bringing in a new central defender to bolster the squad for a Premier League title challenge against Manchester City next season.

While Edu is also targeting a new striker and a potential midfield replacement for Thomas Partey, the central defense is a primary focus.

The current star defensive duo, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, helped Arsenal concede the fewest goals in the Premier League last season.

However, the lack of depth behind them is a concern, prompting the search for additional defensive options.

Arsenal has shown interest in several central defenders, including Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, who is currently impressing for England at Euro 2024.

Other targets include Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.

Another standout is Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, a highly-rated defender who has caught the eye with his performances for Italy at the Euros.

Calafiori’s Rising Stock

Calafiori, 22, has been praised for his performances, including a standout game against Albania in the Euros, which earned him accolades from World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta.

“He played an extraordinary game, like the whole team in the first 60 minutes,” said Zambrotta.

“He played with personality, without fear, perhaps the only flaw was on the long ball where we took a risk with Donnarumma’s exit. But he showed some beautiful things.”

Calafiori’s displays have only increased his value, with his price tag rumored to be around £42 million.

Arsenal in the Race for Calafiori

According to reports from Tutto Juve, Arsenal poses a significant threat to Juventus in the race to sign Calafiori.

Arsenal views Calafiori as an ideal replacement for Kiwior and believes they can outbid Juventus, who hope to leverage Calafiori’s preference to stay in Italy.

Last season, Calafiori was a key player under Thiago Motta at Bologna, making 30 Serie A appearances and contributing two goals and five assists.

With Motta now at Juventus, the club is keen to bring Calafiori along, but Arsenal’s financial muscle could tip the scales in their favor.