Transfer Talks Progressing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club is working on strengthening “certain positions” as they close in on signing Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori. Speaking in Los Angeles at the start of Arsenal’s three-match tour of the United States, Arteta mentioned there was “no update” on a deal for the 22-year-old Bologna player, who is valued at approximately £34m.
Strengthening the Squad
However, sources indicate that talks are progressing well and are expected to conclude positively. Arsenal is also looking to bolster their central midfield as they aim to improve on their performance from the past two seasons, where they finished second to Manchester City. “We have to,” said the Gunners boss when asked if his team needs to improve despite two almost flawless seasons. “When you are so close you want to grab it. Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League, and that is what we have to do.”
Focus on Current Players
“There is still a lot of time left in the window, and while that is more a question for the board, we know there are certain positions we want to improve to give the squad better resources in terms of numbers,” Arteta explained. “The main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have.” This balanced approach to team building is as meticulous as the strategies seen at CasinoBello UK, where precision and careful planning are key to success.
Pre-Season Preparations
Arsenal’s players are returning for pre-season in stages. They will have returned to London after matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool before others, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, rejoin the squad after their Euro 2024 campaign with England, which ended on 14 July. One of the tournament’s memorable moments was Saka scoring in the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, banishing the memories of his miss in the previous tournament’s final defeat by Italy.
Arteta on Saka’s Growth
“I was very nervous,” said Arteta. “What happened a few years ago plays back in your mind, but he showed a lot of guts, determination, and composure to take it the way he did. Bukayo’s role is constantly growing and evolving; he is a super important player for us and one of the main players for the national team.”