Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with both Napoli and Inter Milan.
Riccardo Calafiori is now clearly distancing himself from the rumours that have sent him to both Napoli and Inter Milan. The Italian states that the Arsenal dream is not something he intends to wake up from anytime soon.
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The 23-year-old has established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first choice at right-back this season, making 18 appearances for Arsenal’s first team in the Premier League.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s huge breakthrough meant that Calafiori had to be patient last year, but in his second season at the club, the versatile Italian international – once he has been injury-free – has been almost a fixture.
But it has not been entirely problem-free. This winter, his progress was put on hold when a muscle injury kept him out for nine games during a frustrating month on the sidelines.
After starting on the bench against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, the former Bologna player is expected to be back in the starting eleven when Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
While Calafiori’s loyalty to Arsenal has never been in doubt, there has been speculation in his native Italy that a return to Serie A could be on the cards for the foreseeable future.
Inter Milan are reportedly heavily interested, while Napoli have reportedly placed Calafiori on their wish list ahead of the summer transfer window.
“I’m not complaining”
But when asked if he ever feels homesick in England, Calafiori replied to La Gazzetta dello Sport:
“I miss the sun, and would like to see friends and family more often, but I’m not complaining.
“In Italy, we are used to observing, judging and criticizing. I like that it’s not like that here.
When asked why he chose to leave Italy for the Premier League two years ago, the answer was just as clear:
“I’ve always dreamed of playing in England.
“After the Euros, my price went up, and my agent explained that Arsenal really wanted me.
“I knew I was going to play in the toughest league. But I told myself that I can always take a step back.
“And let’s be honest: Arsenal is Arsenal. An iconic team. Unparalleled.
Calafiori has played a key role in Arsenal’s success this season, where the club is still fighting on all four fronts.
“I need it. I want to win, and I think that would mean a lot,” Calafiori said of Arsenal’s quest for the first trophy in six years.
“We are a young group, full of enthusiasm. We talk about our goals every day, but I feel very calm.
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Focus on World Cup qualification
With his eyes on the national team assignment, Calafiori gave a little insight into the atmosphere in the Italian camp before the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday night.
“We are confident in ourselves,” he explained.
“We are excited and incredibly eager to go to the World Championships.
“I’m looking forward to coming to Coverciano and spending a lot of time with my teammates.
“Our history teaches us that if we stand together as a team, we can compete with anyone. Even in the United States, if we get there, anything can happen.
Calafiori is convinced that Italy can safely secure a ticket to this summer’s championship – despite what he describes as “a bit of negativity” among supporters.
The winner of Italy’s clash against Northern Ireland will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a battle for one of the tickets to the championship in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“If we play the way we can, we’ll go to the World Cup,” he adds.
“On paper, we are better. We just have to believe in ourselves.
“There is a bit of negativity out there, but I am sure that the national team and the fans will pull in the same direction.
“The goal is still within reach. We just have to stick together.
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