William Gallas, former Arsenal player, has expressed his support for Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Riccardo Calafiori, stating that the Italian defender will strengthen Arsenal’s already formidable defense. Calafiori, who can play as a center-back or left-back, is expected to join the Gunners soon after successful negotiations earlier this week. He is set to undergo a medical in London before joining Arsenal for their pre-season tour in America.
However, Calafiori’s arrival could spell trouble for two current Arsenal players, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Spezia 18 months ago, has struggled to gain Arteta’s trust and is reportedly interested in a return to Serie A, with Inter being his preferred destination. Zinchenko, on the other hand, had a promising start at Arsenal after his move from Manchester City two years ago but experienced a decline in form last season, coupled with several injuries that affected his availability.
Despite the potential issues at left-back, Arsenal had the best defense in the Premier League last season. Gallas believes that the addition of Calafiori will make Arsenal an even stronger defensive unit. He spoke to a friend who has extensive knowledge of Italian football, and the friend praised Calafiori’s abilities, describing him as a young player with good quality who can excel in both center-back and left-back positions. Gallas believes that Calafiori’s signing is crucial for Arsenal, as the club currently lacks a reliable left-back.
Gallas also commented on Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal, stating that his days are numbered. He believes that the current Arsenal team has outgrown the qualities that Zinchenko brought during his initial months at the club. Gallas compared Zinchenko’s situation to his time at Manchester City, where he didn’t feature in many big games due to concerns about his defensive abilities. While Zinchenko is talented with the ball and on the counter-attack, he tends to make defensive mistakes under pressure. Arsenal is looking to improve their defense, and Gallas believes that the team has evolved beyond what Zinchenko offers.
Gallas highlighted the changing nature of football tactics, particularly in terms of defending. He mentioned that teams now prefer a solid back four, with full-backs playing a more traditional defensive role rather than venturing into midfield. The focus is on being strong defensively and limiting the opponent’s chances. Gallas believes that this trend favors real defenders, and Calafiori’s signing aligns with Arsenal’s shift towards a more solid defensive approach.
In conclusion, Gallas supports Arteta’s decision to sign Calafiori, emphasizing the need for a reliable left-back at Arsenal. He believes that Calafiori’s arrival will further strengthen Arsenal’s defense, potentially pushing Kiwior and Zinchenko further down the pecking order. Gallas also suggests that Zinchenko’s style of play no longer suits Arsenal’s evolving tactics, which prioritize a solid back four. The addition of Calafiori aligns with this defensive shift and reflects the changing nature of football tactics.