Riccardo Calafiori has revealed his desire to return to Roma in the future, as his Arsenal impact wanes. The 23-year-old defender joined the Gunners in July 2024 for a fee worth up to £42 million, but has lost his starting place after an injury in December.
Calafiori has made 54 appearances with nine goal contributions for Arsenal. However, since returning from injury, he has started only one Premier League match, with loan star Piero Hincapie impressing in his absence. Manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at making Hincapie's move permanent for £45 million, coinciding with Calafiori's comments about a Roma return.
Meanwhile, Arteta has been frustrated with summer signing Eberechi Eze. The former Crystal Palace star, who returned to Arsenal last summer, has 13 goal contributions this season, including five goals against Tottenham. However, his performance against Chelsea saw just 17 accurate passes from 22 and two shots, drawing visible frustration from Arteta.
Wayne Rooney criticised Eze, saying: 'I don't think he's been good enough this season. The two Tottenham games have shined a big light on him but in other games I've watched him and not thought he's been good enough.' Rooney added that Eze must make it 'impossible' for Arteta to drop him.
Arteta remains focused on silverware, with Arsenal still competing in four competitions. 'We want that one for sure (the FA Cup) and all the big ones,' he said. 'At the end, we get judged for what we do today. Last week is not important.'
