Private Riccardo Calafiori conversation speaks volumes about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas has given his seal of approval on Riccardo Calafiori's move to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's smart spending this summer has placed Arsenal in a strong position to challenge for the Premier League title once again. One of the most notable transfers for the Gunners was that of Euro 2024 stand-out star Calafiori, reports the Mirror.

His stellar performances at the Euros in Germany, and also with former club Bologna, convinced Arteta's team to splash out £42million for him to move from Serie A to the Premier League. Gallas has revealed how he spoke with one of his Italy-based former team-mates, sharing how Calafiori is rated as one of Italy's finest defenders right now – and he is even drawing comparisons to the legendary Paolo Maldini.

"I was watching the France vs Italy match and Calafiori stood out. I thought he was really impressive before he was taken off with an injury," Gallas, who played for Arsenal almost 150 times, told Prime Casino.

"During the game, I'm texting my friend, Ousmane Dabo [former French international], and he played for Inter, Lazio, he spent most of his career in Serie A, so he knows the league and he knows Calafiori.

"We're talking about this player, and Ousmane tells me that he is the best defender in Italy and has been for a while. He said that he was outstanding last season, and I'm watching it, and I'm thinking this guy reminds me of Paolo Maldini."

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He added: "Before Arsenal fans get too excited with the comparison, I'm talking about the way that Riccardo Calafiori moves, his style. I like his movement, how he reads the game. He's got great awareness and ability for a 22-year-old.

"Maybe it's the long hair and the position he plays, because he can play as a left back that also makes me think of Maldini. Against France he played as the left centre back in a back three, but without the ball he moves into midfield.

"He's very comfortable on the ball in those areas of the pitch; doesn't panic. Dabo said he was one of, if not the best defender in Italy last season. Every time I've seen him, I've been impressed."

The Italian has only made two appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far, coming off the bench after struggling to break into Arteta's preferred starting XI due to a calf injury sustained while playing in a UEFA Nations League match against France.

However, Calafiori is expected to provide valuable cover in competitions such as the Champions League, either at centre-half, a position currently occupied by Gabriel and William Saliba, or at left-back, where Jurrien Timber has emerged as the first-choice this season.

Arsenal will take on Europa League champions Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday at 8pm, before a fiery top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.