Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been handed a fresh blow ahead of the first North London derby of the campaign as Riccardo Calafiori has been withdrawn from the Italian national team, it has been reported. The left-sided defender entered the November international break with a hip injury and fears continue to grow.

Rome-born Calafiori, signed from Bologna in the summer of 2024, has been a mainstay at left-back for the Spanish boss since the start of the campaign in August – and, with doubts over his potential involvement against Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta may be forced to return to the drawing board.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: In September 2024, Riccardo Calafiori became the first-ever Italian to score in the Manchester City – Arsenal fixture in history.

The defender, 23, has been managed carefully throughout the week at Milanello with Gennaro Gattuso’s Italian national team, with him being kept away from full sessions for five full days in the hopes of avoiding any further damage, but Calafiori’s hip problem is still not cleared, and he’s not returning to his club prematurely.

Calafiori Returns to Arsenal as Doubts Over NLD Derby Arise

With the Gunners – who have finished second in back-to-back-to-back Premier League campaigns – top of the table and looking to retain their spot between now and the end of the season, Arteta and Co will be hoping to remain as unscathed as possible ahead of their impending, all-intense meeting with Spurs. But Calafiori may not be available.

According to Fabrizio Romano, who took to X (formerly Twitter), Calafiori has returned to north London to continue his rehabilitation ahead of their home fixture against their arch-rivals on Sunday 23 November. He wrote:

“Riccardo Calafiori has left Italy camp today and returns to London to be assessed by Arsenal staff. “He tried to be available but he can’t force now”, says Italy coach Gattuso. AFC staff informed + not anticipating a big problem or issue.”

A player who could come in and replace the versatile Italian is youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, who will be keen to get some senior minutes under his belt ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the best teenagers in world football, Arsenal’s 19-year-old sensation is more than a capable replacement.

Looking beyond their test against Thomas Frank’s Spurs, the fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Arsenal. The Emirates Stadium plays host to their Champions League league phase affair with Bayern Munich on November 26 before they travel to the west of the capital to face Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.

Virgil van Dijk, the towering Dutch defender and captain of the Netherlands national team, has publicly expressed his concern regarding the news that his teammate Donyell Malen is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The transfer saga has stirred emotions within the Dutch camp, with van Dijk’s discontent reflecting broader sentiments about player movements in football.

Van Dijk, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defensive lineup and a figure of leadership both at club and international levels, has voiced his apprehensions about Malen’s potential move to one of the Premier League’s most storied clubs.

The Liverpool captain highlighted the pressure and expectations that come with playing for Arsenal, a club that has experienced a resurgence under their current management. He fears that the weight of such expectations may hinder Malen’s development as a player.

Malen, who has caught the eye of many with his electric pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess, has been a vital asset for the Netherlands national team.

Van Dijk believes that while a move to Arsenal could offer Malen a significant platform to showcase his talents, it may also lead to increased scrutiny and criticism, something that young players often struggle to navigate. “The Premier League is a different beast,” van Dijk remarked. “I just hope that he gets the support he needs to thrive in that environment.”

While van Dijk himself has experienced his share of scrutiny during his illustrious career, he’s fully aware of the challenges young athletes face when stepping into the spotlight. His own journey through the ranks has equipped him with invaluable insights, and he encourages Malen to stay grounded and focused amidst the hype. Van Dijk emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, reiterating the value of mentorship and support systems in an athlete’s career.

Arsenal’s interest in Malen has raised eyebrows, particularly given the volatility of the transfer market. The club is looking to bolster their attacking options, and Malen’s versatility and skill set would make him a welcome addition. Yet, van Dijk’s concerns about the psychological toll this transition may have on Malen are valid. It is a reminder of the often-overlooked side of professional sports—the mental resilience required to cope with the immense pressures that come with fame and expectation.

In summary, while a potential transfer to Arsenal could represent a significant opportunity for Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk’s comments highlight the importance of ensuring that young talents like him receive the support and guidance necessary to thrive in a competitive environment. The future lies ahead, and it will be fascinating to see how both players’ careers unfold in the months to come.

Arsenal is in a race against Chelsea to sign a Serie A superstar as Price set for the highly talented Arsenal signing while Chelsea fall behind…

Arsenal is competing with Chelsea to acquire a Serie A superstar, as the price for the highly talented player is set while Chelsea lags behind.

Reports suggest that Arsenal will need to invest between €80-85 million (approximately £75 million / $98 million) to secure Rafael Leao from AC Milan.

CaughtOffside indicates that Milan is concerned they may not be able to secure Leao with new terms and are preparing for a significant sale in the summer of 2026. The winger’s contract features an impressive €150 million (£132 million / $173.5 million) release clause, although Milan is no longer insisting on that full amount.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are all believed to be interested in Leao. Among these clubs, Arsenal appears to be his main suitor, as they are reportedly looking to ‘accelerate’ negotiations.

Rafael Leao’s career statistics include:

– Time spent at Sporting CP and Lille before transferring to Milan for €35 million.

– A total of 75 goals and 63 assists in 268 appearances for the Rossoneri.

– Contributions to Milan’s victory in one Scudetto and one Italian Super Cup.

– Regular participation in the Portugal national team, scoring five goals in 41 caps.

According to CaughtOffside, Milan ‘are not actively looking to sell’, but the competition for Leao’s signature is ‘intensifying’ nonetheless. Milan is aware that the Portuguese star is eager to advance in his career.

Arsenal is ‘in a strong position’ to bring Leao to the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta identifying him as an ‘ideal’ addition to enhance the left side of the team.

Manchester City could become Arsenal’s primary rival for Leao, as Pep Guardiola is a notable admirer of his versatility

Yildiz, valued at up to $100 million by Juventus, has drawn heavy praise this season and is seen by the Gunners as a long-term attacking asset.

Jesus, meanwhile, has had a difficult couple of months, recovering from injury, facing competition, and seeing his role reduced. Arsenal appear willing to make him part of the package.

Juventus, however, are reportedly not keen on selling now, considering Yildiz a cornerstone and aiming to tie him down to a new deal.

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