Sport | Football Former Bologna chief Walter Sabatini has branded Riccardo Calafiori ’s potential move to Arsenal as “a disaster” for Serie A. Arsenal have identified the Italy centre-back as a key summer transfer target as they seek a left-footed defender to significantly bolster their squad for another Premier League title charge next season. Calafiori joined Bologna from Swiss side FC Basel last summer, being converted from a left-back to a centre-back by new Juventus manager Thiago Motta.
He played 30 games for Bologna in Serie A as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 1965 after finishing fifth. The 22-year-old’s good form has been rewarded with a call-up to the Italian national team. He made his senior debut in June, and started all three of Italy’s group stage games at Euro 2024, before missing their last-16 exit to Switzerland through suspension.
Calafiori is one of Serie A and Italy’s brightest talents, and Sabatini is concerned about the long-term implications for the league if young players of his calibre depart so quickly. "It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league," Sabatini told Radio Sportiva. "€45million as a valuation is a huge sum but the defenders are paid even more.
Follow the latest Arsenal transfer deals and gossip live “I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game. “Let’s remember what he did i.