Arsenal star sends clear message to Napoli and Inter Milan amid transfer rumours

Riccardo Calafiori has distanced himself from rumours linking him with the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan, insisting he has no plans to bring his Arsenal ‘dream’ to an end anytime soon.

The 23-year-old defender has established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season, making 18 starts for top-of-the-table Arsenal in the Premier League.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s extraordinary rise meant Calafiori had to be patient for regular playing time last term, but the versatile Italy international has been a near ever-present – when fit – in his second year with the Gunners.

Calafiori’s progress was slightly hampered over the winter, though, with a muscle problem rendering the defender unavailable for nine matches across a frustrating month-long spell on the sidelines.

After dropping down to the bench against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, the former Bologna man will be expected to return to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley.

While Calafiori’s commitment to Arsenal has never been in question on the pitch, there has been some speculation in his native Italy that a return to Serie A could be on the cards in the not-too-distant future.

Inter Milan have been credited with a strong interest, while Napoli have reportedly placed Calafiori on their shortlist of possible targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

But when asked he he ever felt ‘homesick’ in England, Calafiori told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I miss the sun and would like to see friends and family more often, but I’m not complaining.

‘In Italy, we’re used to observing, judging, and criticising. I like that it’s not like that here.’

Pressed on why he decided to leave Italy for the Premier League two years ago, Calafiori responded: ‘I’ve always dreamed of playing in England.

‘After the European Championship, my price tag increased, and my agent explained that Arsenal really wanted me.

‘I knew I’d be playing in the toughest league. But I told myself I could always take a step back.

‘And let’s be clear: Arsenal is Arsenal, an iconic team, unlike any other.’

Calafiori has played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s success this season, with the club battling it out for silverware on all four fronts.

‘I need it, I want to win and I think it would be important,’ Calafiori said of Arsenal’s search for a first trophy in six years.

‘We’re a young group, full of enthusiasm. We talk about our goals every day, but I sense great serenity.’

Turning his attentions to international matters, Calafiori provided an insight into the mood in the Italian camp ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final with Northern Ireland on Thursday night.

‘We’re positive,’ he explained.

‘We’re pumped up and incredibly eager to go to the World Cup.

‘I can’t wait to get to Coverciano to spend lots of time with my team-mates.

‘Our history teaches us that if we can pull together as a team, we can compete with anyone. Even in the United States, if we get there, anything could happen.’

Calafiori is confident Italy can safely advance through to this summer’s tournament if they play to their full potential despite ‘a bit of negativity’ amongst supporters

The winner of Italy’s clash with Northern Ireland will take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

‘If we play like we know how, we’ll get to the World Cup,’ he added.

‘On paper, we’re superior. We just need to believe in our abilities.

‘There’s a bit of negativity out there, but I’m sure the national team and the fans will pull in the same direction.

‘The goal is still within our reach and we just have to stay united.’

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