Declan Rice reacts to ‘love you’ message from Arsenal’s Calafiori amid exit links
Declan Rice reacted to a goodbye message from Arsenal ace Riccardo Calafiori amid links to a return to Italy this summer.
The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating first season in England, struggling to consistently feature in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Calafiori was signed from Bologna in the summer as Arsenal‘s marquee signing, but injuries have hampered his game time.
What’s more, the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has seen the defender slip down the pecking order, with Arteta often favouring the 18-year-old.
With a lack of certainty clouding his future at the Emirates, Calafiori posted a message to fans after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Riccardo Calafiori shares message to fans after Arsenal beat Newcastle
Following the win over the Magpies, which secured Champions League football for the Gunners, the Italian defender shared four images from the action, captioned: “Love you, see you soon”.
Mick Brown revealed exclusively to Football Insider that several Italian clubs, including AC Milan, are interested in Calafiori.
Arsenal may look to sell Riccardo Calafiori to fund further squad improvement
Football Insider Verdict
With several Italian clubs interested in the 23-year-old, it would be no surprise to see the Gunners cash in on the defender this summer.
Calafiori was a strange signing in the first place. The Italian defender thrived as a left centre-back in a back three, which is not a system Arteta has ever deployed.
Since joining, the former Bologna man has not been awful, but he has rarely impressed and a return to Italy where he would fit the tactical ethos more comfortably may suit both player and club.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Calafiori |
| Appearances | 19 |
| Starts | 11 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes | 984 |
What’s more, with Liverpool and Man City both looking set to recruit heavily this summer, there is added pressure on Arsenal to improve their squad to keep pace.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker and more offensive-minded midfielders, but if they want to recruit world-class players in those positions, some sales may be required to finance moves.