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Rio Ferdinand has questioned the logic behind Arsenal’s decision to spend £42m on signing Riccardo Calafiori last summer, given that he does not regularly start under Mikel Arteta.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has raised questions about Arsenal’s decision to spend £42 million on Riccardo Calafiori last summer, especially since the Italian defender “doesn’t even start” under manager Mikel Arteta. The 22-year-old Italy international, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, arrived at the Emirates from Serie A side Bologna in July.
Despite making 17 appearances for Arsenal this season, Calafiori has struggled with injuries, including issues with his calf and knee, which have limited his playing time. Ferdinand expressed his confusion on his YouTube channel, questioning why Arsenal invested such a significant amount in a player who hasn’t secured a regular starting spot.
Ferdinand’s comments come at a time when Arsenal is reportedly looking to strengthen their squad, particularly in the attacking department. He suggested that the club should have focused on signing a striker instead of spending heavily on Calafiori. “If you’re going to spend that much, he should be going straight into the Arsenal team,” Ferdinand said. “Especially when there’s a big shout that they need a centre-forward and they’ve invested somewhere else.”
Arteta, however, has praised Calafiori’s contributions, highlighting his recent goal against Wolves as an example of his potential to make a difference off the bench. “Riccy can produce these magic moments,” Arteta said. “He did today, again, it really helped the team so really glad that whoever comes in on the pitch, he has the experience to make things happen.”
In order to compete at the highest level, Arsenal needs to make more impactful signing, and Ferdinand’s criticism highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding the club’s transfer strategy.
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