According to a new report from FootballTransfers, Arsenal's imminent signing of Carafiore could spark a series of changes in the team's defense, particularly posing a potential threat to the position of current star center back Gabriel.
Carafiore, the Italian international, although he has mainly featured as a left back in his career, is fully capable of playing as a left center back in a three or four back system, thanks to his excellent versatility and recognition from Italian soccer experts. This trait has made him highly sought after in the transfer market, and it is for this advantage that Arsenal have decided to recruit him.
Once Carafiore succeeds in joining Arsenal, his outstanding performance may directly impact Gabriel's starting center back position. Sources revealed that if Calafiori shows impressive strength in pre-season or manager Arteta favors his style more, then the Italian newcomer is likely to become the new favorite in the team's defense.
Arteta is known for his boldness and decisiveness in his tactical setups, having made the shocking decision to bench Gabriel at the start of last season, as well as dropping then-starting goalkeeper Ramsdale. As such, the jury is still out on whether Carafiore will be a direct replacement for Gabriel. What is certain, however, is that Arteta will be fully evaluating the various combinations of the defense in preseason and will make his final decision based on the actual performance of the players.
