Juventus join Inter in race for Arsenal's Calafiori but deal faces hurdles
Juventus have entered the competition with Inter Milan to sign Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, but any potential transfer is contingent on Champions League qualification and the player pushing for a move, according to Italian reports. The 23-year-old Italy international could command a fee in the region of €50 million if the Gunners agree to sell this summer.
Calafiori only joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2024 but has recently lost his starting place to Piero Hincapie, fueling speculation about his future. Despite previous links to Chelsea, it is believed the defender would prefer a return to Italy if he departs North London. His former club AS Roma, where he began his career, is considered an unlikely destination due to the significant financial outlay required.
Inter’s interest is reportedly driven by the potential departure of Alessandro Bastoni, who is being lined up for a move to Barcelona. The Nerazzurri see Calafiori as a suitable long-term replacement for the left-sided centre-back role. Juventus, meanwhile, are not actively seeking to replace a specific player but are keen to add a left-footed defender to their squad as part of a strategic shift towards building a stronger Italian core under owner John Elkann.
The pursuit of Calafiori aligns with this philosophy, with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali also named as a dream target for the Bianconeri. However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus can only seriously pursue a deal for the Arsenal man if they secure qualification for next season’s Champions League. Their current league position will be a decisive factor in their summer budget and ambitions.
Furthermore, Juventus officials believe Calafiori would need to actively agitate for the transfer to facilitate negotiations. Arsenal are under no pressure to sell and are likely to drive a hard bargain, meaning the player’s desire to leave could be crucial in lowering the asking price or persuading the club to engage in talks. Calafiori’s recent lack of minutes may influence his thinking, but a return to Serie A is far from guaranteed at this stage.
The defender, who was a key part of Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, remains under contract at the Emirates Stadium. His versatility, being capable at centre-back and left-back, adds to his value in the market. For Arsenal, his potential sale would represent a significant capital gain after just two seasons, providing funds for Mikel Arteta to reshape his squad, though the club’s initial stance is one of reluctance.
