Mikel Arteta is preparing to unleash a strategic double assault on the summer transfer market as Arsenal aim to build on their title-chasing campaign. The Gunners' boss has identified two prime targets to elevate his squad: Crystal Palace's magician Eberechi Eze and Bologna's defensive revelation Riccardo Calafiori.
The North London club is keen to activate the £60million release clause in Eze's contract, seeing him as the perfect creative force to add flair and goal threat from midfield. The 25-year-old playmaker has been in scintillating form, earning a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad and captivating Premier League audiences with his dazzling dribbling and eye for goal.
Defensive Reinforcements
Alongside Eze, Arteta is pushing to secure the services of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old centre-back, who has impressed at Euro 2024, comes with a more modest £25million price tag, making the total investment for both players around £85million.
Calafiori's versatility – capable of playing both centre-back and left-back – aligns perfectly with Arteta's tactical requirements. His ball-playing ability and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of Europe's finest defensive talents.
Strategic Squad Building
This potential double signing represents a clear shift in Arsenal's transfer strategy. Rather than pursuing blockbuster, nine-figure signings, Arteta and sporting director Edu are targeting specific players who fit their system perfectly.
The pursuit of Eze suggests Arteta wants more creativity and unpredictability in his attacking midfield options, while Calafiori would provide crucial depth and quality in defence, especially with potential departures expected in that area.
Both moves demonstrate Arsenal's commitment to building a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season, learning from the fatigue that possibly cost them in the final weeks of the previous campaign.
