Back to the Arsenal Newsfeed

Italy star Riccardo Calafiori, who has been hailed as the new Paolo Maldini, can boost Mikel Arteta's title bid if he joins Arsenal from Bologna, writes PETE JENSON

Related Topics: Riccardo Calafiore

In an otherwise bleak Euros for Italy there was one beacon of light and he’ll be shining in the centre of Arsenal’s defence if Mikel Arteta gets his way.

Riccardo Calafiori had not represented his country in a competitive game before Germany but he played in all three of their group matches and was the architect of their only real highlight.

With stoppage time almost up in Italy’s third group game, Luciano Spalletti’s side were going home trailing 1-0 to Croatia. When it seemed there really would be time for only one more attack Calafiori choregraphed it gliding out of defence.