Calafiori ‘is not a typical Italian defender’

“Versatile” Riccardo Calafiori is a player who could “slot in very well” to Arsenal‘s side, says Italian football journalist Daniele Verri.

The Gunners are believed to be closing in on a deal with Serie A’s Bologna for the 22-year-old defender.

Calafiori progressed into senior football from the Roma academy and went on to join Swiss side Basel in 2022.

He spent just one campaign in Switzerland’s top flight before moving to Bologna for 4m euros (£3.3m) and was a key player in helping them to an unlikely Champions League spot last season.

Verri told BBC Sport: “He can play on the left wing or the left side of the defence. He can also play as centre-back, where he has improved a lot over the last season at Bologna.

“He is physically strong, but he is not a typical Italian defender like a [Giorgio] Chiellini, so a very man-marking defender. He is technically very gifted and is a player who can build up the play from the back.

“In a situation of ball possession, Calafiori tends to work up the pitch and become a sort of midfielder. That is going to be very helpful for Arsenal who like to have more stations when they build up their play with short passes. He will slot in very well to that.”

His versatility means he could be competing with Gabriel in central defence or with Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, both of whom he topped in key stats such as dribbles and interceptions per 90 minutes last season.

Moving into a midfield position is a real possibility, having previously said himself that Manchester City’s John Stones “is my reference” and “his style of play is closest to mine”.

“Calafiori brings his technical quality, his understanding of the game, his capacity to build up the game and look for the right move and situation when building the game from back,” Verri added.

“He will be helpful in playing the long ball or the short ball to the midfielder, and creating an extra man in midfield when they are in possession.”