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 within the Premier League.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s extraordinary rise meant Calafiori needed to be patient for normal playing time last term, however the versatile Italy international has been a near ever-present – when fit – in his second yr with the Gunners.
Calafiori’s progress was barely 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 all the way down to the bench against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, the previous Bologna man shall 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 query on the pitch, there was some speculation in his native Italy that a return to Serie A may very well be on the cards within the not-too-distant future.
Inter Milan have been credited with a robust interest, while Napoli have reportedly placed Calafiori on their shortlist of possible targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Your football fix
Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy evaluation, transfer talk and his tackle the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Enroll here, it’s an open goal.
But when asked he he ever felt ‘homesick’ in England, Calafiori told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I miss the sun and would love to see family and friends 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 go away Italy for the Premier League two years ago, Calafiori responded: ‘I’ve all the time 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 within the hardest league. But I told myself I could all the time take a step back.
‘And let’s be clear: Arsenal is Arsenal, an iconic team, unlike another.’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to an internet
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Calafiori has played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s success this season, with the club battling it out for silverware on all 4 fronts.
‘I want it, I need to win and I believe it could be vital,’ Calafiori said of Arsenal’s seek for a primary trophy in six years.
‘We’re a young group, stuffed with enthusiasm. We speak about our goals on daily basis, but I sense great serenity.’
Turning his attentions to international matters, Calafiori provided an insight into the mood within 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 desirous to go to the World Cup.
‘I can’t wait to get to Coverciano to spend a number of time with my team-mates.
‘Our history teaches us that if we are able to pull together as a team, we are able to compete with anyone. Even in america, if we get there, anything could occur.’
Calafiori is confident Italy can safely advance through to this summer’s tournament in the event that they play to their full potential despite ‘a little bit of negativity’ amongst supporters
The winner of Italy’s clash with Northern Ireland will tackle either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in america, Canada and Mexico.
‘If we play like we understand how, we’ll get to the World Cup,’ he added.
‘On paper, we’re superior. We just must imagine in our abilities.
‘There’s a little bit of negativity on the market, but I’m sure the national team and the fans will pull in the identical direction.
‘The goal remains to be inside our reach and we just should stay united.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Inter eyeing summer move for Liam Rosenior favourite at Chelsea
MORE: Chelsea’s stance on sacking Liam Rosenior after heavy Everton defeat
MORE: Alan Shearer says two Liverpool stars were ‘absolutely bullied’ in Brighton defeat