Riccardo Calafiori faces awkward Arsenal meeting as previous comment about one Gunners player resurfaces

Arsenal's imminent signing Riccardo Calafiori could be set for an awkward meeting with one of his future teammates.

The Italy international is reportedly closing in on a move from Bologna after Arsenal reached an agreement in principle.

Arsenal are rumoured to be be paying £42 million for Calafiori, who is expected to have his medical before joining up with the Gunners in their tour of the United States.

The former Roma and Basel player is set to add to a stern Arsenal defence and play on the left side of the backline.

But he may have some explaining to do with one of his defensive partners after previous footage emerged.

Calafiori took part in a "winner stays on challenge" where he had to pick between two defenders every time.

The 22-year-old revealed his admiration for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, selecting him ahead of the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and John Stones.

But he also opted for the Portugal international over Arsenal's William Saliba and that answer has of course caused a stir given his pending transfer.

Calafiori rated Ruben Dias ahead of Arsenal players

pic.twitter.com/jd9ILfdSAg

— Professor Hamza Treble champion (@mancityhardcore) July 20, 2024

It could be an interesting encounter when Calafiori links up with the Frenchman in the near future if he passes his medical and the deal gets done.

Calafiori signed for Bologna in 2023 and he played 30 times in Serie A last term, helping the club finish fifth and qualify for next season's Champions League.

His stock rose after an impressive string of displays at Euro 2024 with Italy and attracted interest from a slew of top clubs.

According to Sky Sports, both Juventus and Real Madrid have made approaches in the last 10 days but Calafiori is committed to signing for Arsenal and his representative Alessandro Lucci has been working tirelessly on getting the deal over the line.