Calafiori faces worrying Arsenal reality check as Arteta claim is made

New Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori will have to accept playing left or as cover at centre-back, says ex-Gunner William Gallas.

The Italian caught the eye at Euro 2024, impressing with his on-the-ball defending and ability to glide past opposition players. He also helped guide Thiago Motta's Bologna side to Champions League qualification last season.

Calafiori's international and domestic antics earned him a move to the Emirates. The north London club parted with £42million for the defender, who became their second summer signing.

However, there seems to be no glaringly obvious hole that the Italian has been brought in to fill, and he may be forced to acclimatise to a different position under Arteta.

Calafiori has so far been deployed predominantly as a centre-half in Italy and for his national side but could be asked to play full-back or warm the bench at Arsenal.

"Riccardo Calafiori might have to start on the bench for Arsenal, or he might have to play at left-back," Gallas told Genting Casino. "Mikel Arteta could also use a new system with three at the back.

"He'll have enough good defenders to give them an option. Players also get tired after playing so many competitions and with their national team, so you need to have the option to rotate. It's so important to have a good squad and players with the quality to come in when injuries happen."

During Jurrien Timber's near season-long sideline spell last campaign, Oleksandr Zinchenko offered very little as a disappointing deputy at left-back. Natural centre-half Jakub Kiwior filled in during the tail end of the season, but Calafiori could be seen as a long-term option in the position.

He may also be used to cover for unflappable centre duo Gabriel and William Saliba if they need rest or pick up injuries - as the Frenchman devastatingly did during the 2022/23 season.

One reason Calafiori's hefty price tag may have been warranted is his versatility. He ranked sixth in Serie A regarding interceptions, with 50, despite only starting 26 league games, and often ventures up the pitch.

The Italian's transfer mimics the move starting right-back Ben White made in 2021. Before arriving at the Emirates, White had previously starred for both Leeds United and Brighton solely as a centre-half.

His first season under Arteta saw him keep to this position, but he was moved to right-back the following year and hasn't looked back since. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another player who was signed due to his versatility, being able to play essentially anywhere along a back line.

Arteta may be hoping Calafiori is willing to undergo the position change that White successfully underwent, and challenge for a starting role as his squad gears up for yet another title charge.