Although Mikel Arteta is unclear when Arsenal will complete their acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori, he expects that further “upgrades” will follow his arrival in time for the next Premier League season.
The Gunners are looking to go the distance when the 2024–25 season begins after missing out on the championship game on the penultimate day of the previous season after losing to Manchester City twice in Premier League title contests.
In an attempt to catch up to City this summer, Arsenal is getting closer to completing a deal for Italy’s Calafiori, who is anticipated to join the team for £42 million from Bologna.
Having helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season before shining for Italy at Euro 2024, it is hoped the 22-year-old can have an instant impact in north London.
Arsenal have landed in Los Angeles for the start of their pre-season campaign, which will see them take on Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Asked on the possibility of Calafiori joining up with the squad to feature in their Stateside friendly games, Arteta told reporters he had ‘no update’ on the progress of the move.
‘I don’t know [if anyone will join us],’ Arteta said. ‘It’s still a lot of time to go in the window but that’s more of a question for Edu and the board I think. When you are so close you want to grab it. We are very close.’
Upon being asked to specify a timeframe for the completion of the Calafiori deal, Arteta responded, “No, unfortunately not, but obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short.”
“We’ll give it our all, but right now, our main priority is to develop the players we already have and fall in love with them.”
Arsenal are also hoping to strengthen in central midfield this summer with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino among those thought to be of interest.
While he did not discuss specific targets, Arteta underlined the need for the club to ‘upgrade’ the current squad.
‘We have to,’ Arteta continued.
‘Perfection in this league requires different standards. To relate that word perfection to winning the Premier League then that’s what we have to do. We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do.’