How Arsenal could line up with Riccardo Calafiori
- Arsenal continue pursuit of Italian star Riccardo Calafiori
- Left-back could line up alongside Gabriel and William Saliba
- Mikel Arteta has multiple options to include the Bologna player at the Emirates
Arsenal's movements during the summer transfer window may have been slow so far, but one name remains firmly at the top of their wish list - Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori.
If the Gunners are able to steal Calafiori's signature, they will have a versatile, technically gifted defender among their ranks. His introduction to Mikel Arteta's squad could unlock new, exciting setups and allow others in the backline to thrive.
Whether he becomes a direct replacement for departing names or competition for current stars, Arteta could position the Italian in a number of ways.
Here are the different ways Arsenal could line up with Calafiori.
With Gabriel and Saliba
Arteta remains very happy with his centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel, but there's nothing stopping him stationing the Italian alongside the duo in a back three.
Calafiori's versatility means he is able to thrive as both a left-back and a centre-back. Stationing him alongside Saliba and Gabriel could create an impenetrable backline and allow Arsenal to gain greater control over areas on the pitch.
Arsenal could thrive in this formation, forcing their opponents out wide while utilising the skill of players further up the pitch to cover more areas in transition. Calafiori has often played as an inverted left-back and would look comfortable on and off the ball in this position.
Calafiori also has an immense level of anticipation, allowing him to spot danger and act with ease. He is a threat in aerial duels and could provide a lot for Arsenal in a three-man backline.
Arteta has long spoke of his desire to play in this way, and incorporating a player like Calafiori may just be the ticket.
Possible lineups
- 3-2-2-3 - Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori
- 3-4-3 - Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori
As a traditional left-back
Ultimately, Arsenal are in the market for a left-back, and they can absolutely rely on Calafiori to fill this role for them.
A new left-sided defender would come as welcome news to fans, who would be keen to see an upgrade on the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. The Italian offers more control than the former and a greater composure than the latter, and therefore could step into either of their roles with ease.
His flexibility would work wonders for the team too, as Calafiori has the confidence to move fluidly around the pitch while still remaining in key areas. His scanning power is also admirable, giving the Gunners more awareness of how and when to defend.
Arteta is keen to bring in a player who can both over and underlap players, a skill that Calafiori has mastered.
Possible lineups
- 4-3-3 - Timber, Saliba, White, Calafiori
- 4-3-3 - White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
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