Arsenal could learn from past missed opportunities as they close in on Riccardo Calafiori.
talkSPORT understands that the Gunners have reached an agreement in principle with Bologna to sign the centre-back this summer.
Calafiori is on track to make it after an excellent 2023/24 campaign and a solid Euro 2024 with Italy, despite their round of 16 exit to Switzerland.
At 22, he could be in for a long stay in north London and an arrival that could possibly allow Arsenal to make up for the loss of a footballing legend.
Giorgio Chiellini is widely regarded as one of the greatest central defenders of all time, having won nine Serie A titles with Juventus and the European Championship with Italy, among other honours.
He has long been one of the toughest defenders in the game, so much so that Arsenal legend Robin van Persie revealed he wanted the club to sign him when he was there from 2004 to 2012.
“At one point I felt called upon to say what Arsenal could do better to win the league,” he told Kaj Gorgels in 2020 via the Daily Mail.
“I felt we were lacking a winning mentality and I asked Arsene Wenger to sign Giorgio Chiellini. I have played against him several times and he is a real winner.
“That was evident when he played against Holland a few weeks ago. He is 36 years old, but he delivers nine elbows in every game with a smile on his face.
“He’ll keep smiling and never get a yellow card. You need those kind of winners and killers in your team. I felt we should sign him.”
Chiellini remained at Juventus and spent 18 years there, making 117 appearances for Italy before retiring in 2022 to cement his legendary status.
It would take a lot for Calafiori to reach such levels of success, but a move to Arsenal could help him reach the next level.
He scored two goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances for Bologna last season and can also play at left-back if needed.
Calafiori is set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer as Mikel Arteta’s side race towards a third successive Premier League title.
