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Arsenal have been warned about their big-money summer signing.
Arsenal’s £42 million summer signing, Riccardo Calafiori, has found himself at the center of a growing concern among fans. The Italian defender, who joined the Gunners with high expectations following his impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024, has struggled to secure a regular spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.
Injuries have plagued Calafiori’s debut season at the Emirates Stadium. Separate knee injuries kept him sidelined for nearly two months, and a subsequent muscular problem in January further limited his appearances.
Adding to Calafiori’s woes is the emergence of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has shone at left-back for Arsenal. Lewis-Skelly’s impressive performances have further restricted Calafiori’s opportunities to make an impact when fit. This situation has led to warnings from football experts that Calafiori may seek opportunities with other top clubs if his lack of game time continues.
AC Milan icon Massimo Ambrosini has voiced his concerns, stating that Calafiori would thrive at other big clubs, potentially including Arsenal’s Premier League and European rivals. Ambrosini emphasized that Calafiori is a modern player capable of playing on the left side of defense and in the middle, making him a valuable asset for any top team.
Despite the challenges, Calafiori started his first Premier League game in five matches during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat against West Ham. With Lewis-Skelly serving a one-match ban following a red card, Calafiori is expected to start in Arsenal’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his handling of the team’s lineup and substitutions, particularly in light of the club’s recent struggles. The Gunners are currently 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, and Arteta has acknowledged that the title race is no longer in their hands.
As the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on Arteta to find a balance that allows talented players like Calafiori to thrive while maintaining the team’s overall performance. If the situation does not improve, Arsenal may risk losing a promising defender to their rivals, a scenario that could have long-term implications for the club’s ambitions.
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