Arsenal may have taken advantage of Juventus’ inability to move to wrap up a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
That’s according to former footballer Massimo Orlando, who believes it is strange that Arsenal have managed to secure the defender on a deal worth €4m per year in wages.
Calafiori appears to be nearing a move to Arsenal this summer, who have moved quickly over this week to wrap up a deal for the defender.
He had earned himself admirers thanks to his performances for Bologna last season and has added to his growing reputation with his displays for Italy at Euro 2024, even despite their disappointing showing at the tournament in Germany.
Several big clubs have been credited with an interest, including Juventus, who are rebuilding their squad this summer and have appointed Thiago Motta, the player’s former manager at Bologna.
Orlando is somewhat perplexed by the move, particularly from Calafiori, as he’s reportedly accepted a wage packet he could have gotten in Italy.
“Arsenal certainly do the business, for the game they have fits Calafiori perfectly,” he said.
“In modern football €4m per year, costing over €55m (in transfer fees), is not much. It was a salary that even an Italian could afford. Strange to take this figure, at this point it is better to go to Juve, who could afford it like this.
“However, certain experiences abroad are good, especially in the Premier League. It is a fascinating but difficult championship, now we will see how he will adapt the Italian championship is more complicated tactically, but the English one has a double pace and it’s a problem.
“I would have chosen Juve because I would have continued to learn from the coach who got me to this level. Then in a few years maybe he goes to Barcelona or Real Madrid. Juve certainly couldn’t afford it at certain prices and Arsenal took advantage of it immediately.”
