Riccardo Calafiori tells Arsenal fans ‘thanks for everything’ as exit decision looms
Riccardo Calafiori sent a message to Arsenal fans thanking them with interest growing from Italian clubs for the defender.
Calafiori’s arrival from Bologna in the summer was an exciting deal for the Gunners’ fans, with many expecting him to make the left-back role his own.
But the Italian international has endured an injury-ridden season, appearing in just 17 Premier League games for the North London club.
What’s more, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence at Arsenal has pushed the defender down the pecking order, and it seems unlikely Calafiori will be able to oust the Englishman from his starting role.
Riccardo Calafiori thanks Arsenal fans after loss vs PSG
Calafiori made his first appearance for Arsenal in the defeat to PSG since coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on 12 March.
The Italian was introduced late on as the Gunners desperately searched for a way back into the tie, but it wasn’t to be, with PSG cruising to a 3-1 aggregate win.
Following the loss, Calafiori posted an image of himself in action to his Instagram story, captioned: “Thanks for everything”.
Arsenal may look to cash in on Riccardo Calafiori this summer
Football Insider Verdict
Arsenal may look to cash in on Riccardo Calafiori just one year after signing him from Bologna, Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider exclusively.
There is growing interest from AC Milan, and according to Man United‘s former chief scout, the Gunners have growing concerns around the defender’s injury issues.
Since joining Arsenal in July 2024 for £42million [Sky Sports], the Italy international has missed 28 games for club and country due to a recurring knee injury and several other niggling issues.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Calafiori |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Starts | 11 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes | 927 |
If the Gunners can receive a similar fee to the one they spent on Calafiori they may consider letting him leave.
Tactically speaking, given Arsenal employ a flat back four, it has never been a comfortable fit for the 22-year-old and returning to Italy, where a back five is more prevalent, will undoubtedly suit the defender more.