{"id":2040,"date":"2026-03-22T14:05:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=2040"},"modified":"2026-03-22T14:05:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:05:40","slug":"arsenal-star-sends-clear-message-to-napoli-and-inter-milan-amid-transfer-rumours-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=2040","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal star sends clear message to Napoli and Inter Milan amid transfer rumours | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\"Arsenal\t<\/div>
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with both Napoli and Inter Milan (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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 \u2018dream\u2019 to an end anytime soon.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old defender has established himself as Mikel Arteta\u2019s first-choice right-back this season, making 18 starts for top-of-the-table Arsenal in the Premier League.<\/p>\n

Myles Lewis-Skelly\u2019s 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 \u2013 when fit \u2013 in his second year with the Gunners.<\/p>\n

Calafiori\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

After dropping down to the bench against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, the former Bologna man will be expected to return to Mikel Arteta\u2019s starting XI for this afternoon\u2019s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley.<\/p>\n

While Calafiori\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Arsenal\t<\/div>
The defender joined Arsenal from Bologna in a deal worth \u00a342m in 2024 (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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\n\t\t\"Arsenal\t<\/div>
Arteta has turned to Calafiori as his first-choice right-back this season (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But when asked he he ever felt \u2018homesick\u2019 in England, Calafiori told La Gazzetta dello Sport: \u2018I miss the sun and would like to see friends and family more often, but I\u2019m not complaining. <\/p>\n

\u2018In Italy, we\u2019re used to observing, judging, and criticising. I like that it\u2019s not like that here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Pressed on why he decided to leave Italy for the Premier League two years ago, Calafiori responded: \u2018I\u2019ve always dreamed of playing in England. <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Italy\t<\/div>
Calafiori has been capped 12 times by the Italian national team (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018After the European Championship, my price tag increased, and my agent explained that Arsenal really wanted me.<\/p>\n

\u2018I knew I\u2019d be playing in the toughest league. But I told myself I could always take a step back. <\/p>\n

\u2018And let\u2019s be clear: Arsenal is Arsenal, an iconic team, unlike any other.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Calafiori has played an instrumental role in Arsenal\u2019s success this season, with the club battling it out for silverware on all four fronts. <\/p>\n

\u2018I need it, I want to win and I think it would be important,\u2019 Calafiori said of Arsenal\u2019s search for a first trophy in six years.<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re a young group, full of enthusiasm. We talk about our goals every day, but I sense great serenity.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Arsenal\t<\/div>
Calafiori has overtaken Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order this season (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re positive,\u2019 he explained.<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re pumped up and incredibly eager to go to the World Cup. <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Italy\t<\/div>
Italy will look to keep their World Cup hopes alive by beating Northern Ireland on Thursday (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018I can\u2019t wait to get to Coverciano to spend lots of time with my team-mates. <\/p>\n

\u2018Our 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Calafiori is confident Italy can safely advance through to this summer\u2019s tournament if they play to their full potential despite \u2018a bit of negativity\u2019 amongst supporters<\/p>\n

The winner of Italy\u2019s clash with Northern Ireland will take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in the United States, Canada and Mexico.<\/p>\n

\u2018If we play like we know how, we\u2019ll get to the World Cup,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

\u2018On paper, we\u2019re superior. We just need to believe in our abilities. <\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s a bit of negativity out there, but I\u2019m sure the national team and the fans will pull in the same direction. <\/p>\n

\u2018The goal is still within our reach and we just have to stay united.\u2019<\/p>\n

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