Italy’s legendary defender Leonardo Bonucci is not happy that the country’s young and promising defender, Riccardo Calafiori, is set to join Arsenal in the Premier League.
The renowned former center-back believes Calafiori would have been a perfect fit for his former club, Juventus, wishing the Serie A giants would have moved for the player.
Bonucci’s take is coming late with Arsenal now close to completing a move for Calafiori.
Arsenal have been on the trail of Riccardo Calafiori since the 2023 transfer summer window opened. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta identified Calafiori as a top defensive target to boost the Gunners’ defence ahead of the next campaign following the 22-year-old’s impressive run with Bologna in 2023-24 Serie A season.
Riccardo Calafiori, on the other hand, was open to Arsenal move and has reportedly agreed personal terms with the club. However, club terms with Bologna had to be sorted with the former Basel player still contracted to the club till 2027.
Following three weeks of talks and negations with the Serie A outfit, Arsenal finally reached agreement with the club in a deal worth €50m.
With Calafiori set to join Arsenal in the Premier League, Leonardo Bonucci believes Juventus would have signed Calafiori, not just for the club’s utility but for the sake of Italy national team.
According to him, Arsenal’s signing of Calafiori will strip Italy a chance to further groom the young player on the dynamics of Italian football.
The legendary defender added that Arsenal are signing a footballer who will be a pivot in the defence of Italy national team in the next 15 years, hence it would have been necessary to retain the young baller in one of the Italian clubs, specifically Juventus, a top Serie A side.
Going further, Bonucci lauded Calafiori’s ball-playing abilities and personality as a defender.
“Calafiori? I’m sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus,” Bonucci told Sky Sports Italia.
“He’s a defender who’s a little different to what we’re used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in. We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years.”
Calafiori made 30 Serie A appearances for Bologna last season, scoring 2 goals with providing 5 assists. He also registered 3 appearances in the club’s Coppa Italia campaign.
His standout performance for the Bologna-based outfit saw him earn a call-up for his first major tournament – Euro 2024 – with Italy national team after making his debut in May 2024. At the 2024 Euros, Calafiori impressed with the Gli Azzurri. He started the team’s all three group matches, providing one assist, and was missed in the round of 16 clash against Switzerland due to suspension.
Arsenal have finalized deal for the player, who is expected in London to complete his medical and sign officially with the club. He agreed a five-year contract till 2029.
Riccardo Calafiori contract stand-off
According to Italian outlets, Basel – Riccardo Calafiori’s parent club – are at loggerheads with Bologna over a clause attached to the player’s contract.
Basel reportedly sold Calafiori to Bologna for €3.4m. The club claims they are entitled to 50% of Arsenal’s €50m transfer fee for the player based on the clause. Bologna are reportedly disputing the Swiss outfit on the said 50% sell-on clause, with the faceoff yet to be settled. However, it is understood the outcome of which will not affect Riccardo’s switch to Arsenal.
