After another heart-wrenching second-place finish in the Premier League, Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy is laser-focused on bridging the gap to claim the ultimate prize. The Gunners, however, are not in the mood for fire sales to fuel their ambitions.
Riccardo Calafiori, the £42m signing from last summer, finds himself in a peculiar position. Despite his undeniable talent, the Italian defender doesn’t have a clear path into Arsenal’s starting lineup.
Calafiori’s Battle for a Spot
The 23-year-old arrived at the Emirates after impressive spells at Basel and Bologna, but breaking into Mikel Arteta’s preferred defensive pairing is no easy feat. Gabriel and William Saliba have formed a near-impenetrable partnership, losing just 11 of their 89 Premier League starts together over the last three seasons. Calafiori also faces competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly for the left-back role, a position that isn’t even his natural forte.
Despite these challenges, Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to part ways with the Italian. AC Milan made an enquiry but were swiftly rebuffed, with Calafiori himself eager to remain in London. Injuries have hampered his progress, but the club sees him as a key figure in their future plans.
Zinchenko’s Uncertain Future
While Calafiori stays, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal appears to be winding down. The 28-year-old Ukrainian, who joined from Manchester City in 2022, saw his Premier League minutes halved last season. Out of contract next summer, Zinchenko’s hefty £200,000-a-week wages make him a prime candidate for Arsenal’s squad overhaul.
According to reports, AC Milan are now eyeing Zinchenko to bolster their defensive options. His departure would free up resources for Arteta’s summer reshuffle, as the Gunners aim to address their attacking shortcomings.
Arteta’s Defensive Confidence
Despite the uncertainty around Calafiori and Zinchenko, Arteta seems content with his defensive depth. Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Jakub Kiwior all proved their worth last season, while the return of Ben White adds further flexibility. With David Raya guarding the net and Declan Rice shielding the backline, Arsenal’s focus is firmly on strengthening their attack.
Chasing the Title
The Gunners are determined to close the ten-point gap to champions Liverpool, and their summer transfer activities will be pivotal. With rivals already making big moves, Arsenal’s ability to address their weaknesses could define their title challenge next season.
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