Coach Mikel Arteta sent a clear message to the versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori, when he asked him to stabilize his body and performance after the first season was not as satisfactory at Arsenal.
The Spanish captain publicly posed an important challenge for defender Riccardo Calafiori before the new season. This shows the trust and expectation of Mikel Arteta on Calafiori student.
Calafiori – who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Bologna for 40 million euros, had an incomplete launch season. Despite the glowing moments and impresses very strongly, the performance of the 23 -year -old defender is often interrupted by injuries.
In the first summer press conference, Arteta pointed out his request for Calafiori when he emphasized that the 2025/26 season was a hinge year for his career at the Gunners.
Arteta emphasized: “This is an important season for him. Riccardo looks very, very excited and also very ambitious. We know that one of the biggest things to achieve is the ready player's ready. The two serious injuries that he encountered until international duties with Italy. That is what we do not want to happen in the next season.
The Spanish strategist also praised the unique qualities of Calafiori, when this player came to the Emirates Stadium: “We all know, Calafiori brings an energy and unpredictable source that we really need. Now we want a player who is always ready to play and show in the level he can”.
The versatility of Calafiori, with the ability to play well in both the center -back and left -back, is a valuable player and quality in the system built by coach Arteta over the years. At this time, the competition in Arsenal defense is huge with names like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes or Jurrien Timber. Therefore, Calafiori will need to make efforts to regularly play in the next season.
