Arsenal fans will now hope that it's only a matter of time until Riccardo Calafiori is announced as a new Mikel Arteta player.

The Bologna centre-back thrived at the Euros and it seems as if Arteta is increasingly close to sealing a deal for the Italian.

Edu and his team are also thought to be working towards the addition of a new central midfielder for Arteta's side.

A number six is desired to sit alongside Declan Rice, but it seems as if no significant progress has been made in that regard.

That being said, The Guardian have now shared a report providing more details on Arsenal's move for Calafiori, and how Arteta intends to use the Bologna defender.

Under Thiago Motta, who has now left for Juventus himself, Calafiori predominantly played as a left-sided centre-back in a back three.

However, Arteta has a different plan for the Euros star, who will cost Arsenal around PS42m.

Mikel Arteta wants to use Riccardo Calafiori as an inverted full-back at Arsenal According to the report mentioned, Arteta is said to see Calafiori as a 'key addition' to his back line next season.

The Italian has occasionally played as a left-back before, but rarely as an inverted option - and that's how Arteta intends to use Calafiori.

Arteta sees Calafiori as an inverted full-back capable of slotting into midfield positions - the Oleksandr Zinchenko role if you will.

Moreover, the Italian will also be able to provide significant competition for Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-back too, explaining why Arsenal are so keen.

The report also details that Calafiori's arrival could hasten the departures of both Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, given the Italian can cover the roles played by both.

And with Jurrien Timber back fit, Arsenal won't struggle for numbers at the back, given the Dutchman can excel in every defensive position.

It's clear that Calafiori would really improve Arteta's options, taking his project to the next step.

For too long the Arsenal manager has had to choose between attacking flair or defensive robustness on the left, not having both qualities in any of his left-sided options whilst Timber was injured.

And if Calafiori is signed, Arteta will have a defender who can do it all.