Arteta: Arsenal to strengthen in certain positions, eye Calafiori
![Arteta: Arsenal to strengthen in certain positions, eye Calafiori Arteta: Arsenal to strengthen in certain positions, eye Calafiori](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/119054/conversions/AFP__20240220__34JV43Q__v1__HighRes__776081379-og_image.webp)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta addresses a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg football match against FC Porto at the Dragao stadium in Porto on February 20, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are trying to
strengthen "certain positions" as they close in on the signing of
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Speaking in Los Angeles at the start of Arsenal's
three-match tour of the United States, Arteta told reporters there was "no
update" on a deal for the 22-year-old Bologna man, who is valued at about
£34m.
However, sources have said talks are progressing well and
are expected to reach a positive conclusion.
Arsenal are also looking to strengthen in central midfield
as they try to do better than the past two campaigns, when they have finished
second to Manchester City.
"We have to," said the Gunners boss, when asked if
his side have to improve despite two almost flawless seasons. "When you are
so close you want to grab it.
"Perfection in this league requires different standards
when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that is what we
have to do.
"There is still a lot of time left in the window and
while that is more a question for the board, obviously we know there are
certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources
in terms of numbers but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the
players we have."
They will have returned to London after matches against
Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool before others, including Declan
Rice and Bukayo Saka, link up given their Euro 2024 campaign with England did
not end until 14 July.
One of the tournament’s abiding memories was Saka scoring in
the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, banishing
the memories of his failure in the previous tournament’s final defeat by Italy.
"I was very nervous," said Arteta. "What
happened a few years ago plays back in your mind but he showed a lot of guts
and determination and composure to take it the way he did.
"Bukayo’s role is constantly growing and evolving, he is a super important player for us and one of the main players for the national team."
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