Arsenal fans are still probably recovering from the previous campaign when Manchester City pipped them to the Premier League title.

Unlike 12 months ago, critics can't complain about Mikel Arteta's side bottling it because they took the title race to the final day and fought with their every breath.

But that didn't stop Rodri from hitting out at Arsenal after Manchester City's title win, with the London club knowing they need more quality to get over the trophy line.

Arsenal aren't doing much wrong. The starting XI is pretty strong, the goals are flowing and the defence was the best in the Premier League last season.

But Pep Guardiola has two top-level players to pick from in each position and you feel their rivals might now need to go down that road.

That's why Darren Bent agreed that the defence isn't an area Arsenal need to add to first with the summer transfer window now open.

The man on everyone's lips is Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, with the PS42 million star deciding to join the Gunners.

Even if Arsenal are bulked up in defence, Bent still saw the positive side and added that 'it's always good' to bring in a player like that, as he told talkSPORT (08/07/24 at 4:40 pm).

Calafiori can operate at left-back, so he could still start from the get-go, but that added option would just enhance the team even further.

MORE ARSENAL STORIES

Riccardo Calafiori to join Arsenal "No, it's not," responded Bent on defence not being the key are Arsenal need to improve. "But he (Calafiori) could also play at left-back, I think which will help as well.

"You are right, centre-half wise, we are more than adequate in that area. But also from the left-back situation, Arsenal have got about six left-backs - but listen, another defender, and another option. It's always good."

An Italian expert is already excited by Calafiori signing for Arsenal and the potential he has is one Arteta can take to the next level.

In that sense, Calafiori would be making the right call to move to the Emirates because Arsenal is now the environment to grow and Arteta is a manager you can trust.

It wasn't so long ago that Arsenal was seen as a toxic place where youngsters would falter. Those days are long gone now.