REPORT: Arsenal defender identified as ideal replacement for Barcelona-linked star

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly been identified by Inter Milan as the ideal replacement for Alessandro Bastoni, who is strongly linked with a summer move to Barcelona.

The 23-year-old joined the Gunners from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2024.

Since then, he has made 58 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

Calafiori has been heavily linked with a potential exit from the Emirates in recent months, with Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea all mentioned as interested suitors.

Now, it appears another club has joined the race.

Inter Milan identify Calafiori as top target

According to Italian outlet FCInterNews, Inter Milan are interested in signing Calafiori this summer.

Bastoni has attracted serious interest from Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window, and should he leave, Calafiori is viewed as the ideal replacement.

However, it is claimed Arsenal have no intention of selling the Italian defender, whose current contract runs until the summer of 2029.

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