'I'm still sure': Charles Watts explains what Arsenal could do immediately after signing Riccardo Calafiori

07/04/2024 01:15 PM

Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has now been explaining some of the possible repercussions of the club's pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori.

Right now, it looks as if all is moving in the right direction for Calafiori to become Arsenal's first 'proper' signing of the summer.

David Raya's permanent move from Brentford is set to be announced imminently, but not many will consider the deal a 'new signing', so to speak.

Calafiori seriously impressed at Euro 2024, and whilst a club should never fall in love with a player at an international tournament, the Italian's club season with Bologna backs up his excellent work in Germany.

The left-footed defender can play a variety of positions, predominantly a centre-back, Calafiori is also a capable full-back and can step into midfield.

Perhaps in Mikel Arteta's eyes, the Italian is a left-sided Ben White.

That being said, if Calafiori does sign for Arsenal then Arteta's squad will appear a little bloated at the back.

And to that end, journalist Charles Watts has now been discussing what the Gunners may do on his podcast.

Arsenal will sell a defender if Riccardo Calafiori arrives at the Emirates this summer

Watts has already confirmed that Arsenal's interest in Calafiori is genuine, and now thinks the club would have to sell a player pretty quickly if he did arrive.

The journalist initially questioned what any arrival would mean for the likes of Jurrien Timber, and then concluded that one defender would have to be sold.

He said: "It definitely opens up some conversations about what happens now with Arsenal's defence – what do you do with Jurrien Timber? What's the plan going to be for him if Calafiori comes in?

"Which player goes? Because I'm still sure that a player will go when it comes to Arsenal's defence if Calafiori comes in."

Of course, never in a million years would Arsenal consider selling Timber, and Watts isn’t suggesting so – a player who will be crucial if he avoids injury this season.

But perhaps the real candidates would be either Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.

It feels logical that two of those three will leave, with Tierney's departure feeling all but certain.

Therefore, it may perhaps come down to who receives better interest out of Kiwior and Zinchenko.

And to that end, Napoli are said to be one of many clubs interested in signing Kiwior.