The best Arsenal lineup with Riccardo Calafiori transfer in mind

The name "Riccardo Calafiori" needs little introduction to Arsenal fans. In fact, over the last few days the Italy international has become talk of the town. With journalists and other sports commentators seemingly anticipating the arrival of the defender in North London, it is clear to see why the optimism is only increasing for the season ahead.

Riccardo Calafiori had an excellent campaign at EURO 2024 before Italy were surprisingly eliminated by Switzerland. Calafiori was one of the standout players, proving himself to be an aggressive but productive defender, one who would seamlessly slot into the Arsenal setup given his versatility.

That said, let's take a look at the best possible Arsenal lineup with the Riccardo Calafiori transfer in mind...

The best Arsenal lineup with Riccardo Calafiori transfer in mind

Goalkeeper and defence

Perhaps the most unsurprising (but exciting nonetheless) transfer business this summer has been the permanent signing of David Raya. After winning the Golden Boot whilst on loan at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta rightfully signed him on a permanent deal from Brentford. Therefore, he will start between the sticks.

I do still expect the same centre back partnership to remain next season, despite centre back being Riccardo Calafiori's "best position" (I must emphasise the quotation marks, he is more than capable of playing as a full-back). So, business as usual, with Gabriel and William Saliba being the undisturbed centre back partnership next season.

Ben White will obviously be the right-back as this is the position he's made his own. Then, at left-back, Riccardo Calafiori seems to be an upgrade on the likes of Zinchenko and Kiwior, so I think he will be used here.

Midfield

With Jurrien Timber out of the defence, his best route into the starting lineup could be a midfield conversion. After all, this would kill two bird stones for Mikel Arteta, who seemingly requires a deep-lying midfielder with Thomas Partey potentially on his way out. Timber certainly has the attributes to cover this position.

Besides, Timber would have the excellent cover of Declan Rice, who will hope to add some trophies to the cabinet in his second season under Mikel Arteta. Rice could play in a pivot alongside Timber, with both players possessing incredible box-to-box traits.

Anchoring the midfield and attack will be Martin Odegaard, in a creative free-roaming capacity. As the captain, he will be incredibly excited to welcome Calafiori to the starting lineup.

Attack

It will be an unchanged attack next season, unless Mikel Arteta has a U-turn. It seems like he is happy going ahead with Kai Havertz as the centre forward and why wouldn't he be?

Off the right, Bukayo Saka will start almost every match. Hopefully, though, sufficient backup is signed in this position, to avoid Saka being run into the ground again.

At left-wing, it will be a difficult toss up between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, which is a nice predicament for Mikel Arteta. It will be decided on form and opponent but currently, Leandro Trossard leads this race.

Full Arsenal lineup: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Timber, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard