The reason for Riccardo Calafiori transfer delay, Arsenal pre-season plans and Pedro Neto truth

It feels like it’s been a quiet summer so far for Arsenal. With the Euros and the Copa America, hardly anything seems to have happened at the Emirates Stadium. Now though, things seem to be changing.

Mikel Arteta is preparing to take his side out to the USA for another pre-season tour. He is expected to take a strong squad out to the United States with him where his side will take on Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool in a series of friendlies.

That group could get even stronger if the club are able to add Riccardo Calafiori who is a player of interest. There could be some outgoings too, with Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Aaron Ramsdale all linked with the exit door.

With all that going on it feels like the perfect time for a Q and A with our chief Arsenal correspondent Kaya Kaynak. Here’s a look back at the highlights from yesterday’s session.

Q: Are Arsenal interested in Pedro Neto?

KK: Hey thanks for the question! Pedro Neto is definitely a player Arsenal have looked at. They want a younger player who can play across the forward line and Neto certainly fits that bill. There are questions internally about his injury record though, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if it didn’t end up happening.

Q: How likely is it that we will see Smith Rowe leave this summer?? If he did, what would his departure have on the squad’s dynamics and creativity in midfield?

KK: Hi thanks for the question! I think it’s quite likely that we see Smith Rowe leave as things stand. Arsenal won’t force him out, but the player’s priority is first team football and if the right offer comes in they won’t stand in his way.

As for the impact on the squad, I think maybe we’ll see Fabio Vieira step up a bit. He’s a player who Arteta went big on to sign and it’s about time he starts delivering in the first team.

Q: Hi Kaya. What’s the latest with Riccardo Calafiori? What’s the hold up?

KK: Hey thanks for the question! The hold up is currently over the structuring of the deal. Calafiori is open to coming to Arsenal, while Arsenal are very much keen to have him. Bologna however, want a hefty fee given the player’s successful Euros and the need to give Basel a significant sell on fee. Hopefully it’s something Arsenal can sort as there are a host of other teams who like Calafiori.

Q: Between Pedro Neto and Nico Williams who’s likely to sign for Arsenal this summer?

KK: Right now, of the two, I’d have to say Williams. But Barcelona like him and he likes them. Gives me very strong Raphinha vibes from a few years ago. Neto is a good player though, and I don’t think anyone would be too upset if he arrived at the Emirates.

Q: Can you confirm the club’s pre-season plans? What’s the schedule and what will Mikel Arteta be hoping to get from the USA tour?

KK: Arsenal are planning to fly out to America on Sunday. The training then begins in LA on Monday before the game with Bournemouth on the Wednesday. They’ll then keep up the training before playing Manchester United on the Saturday before travelling to Philadelphia on the Sunday and rounding off the tour with a game against Liverpool on Wednesday July 31. They’ll fly back that very evening. Mikel Arteta’s main aims will be to build up his team’s fitness and team spirit ahead of a season that will have more games than ever. It’s worked for Arsenal in years gone by and they’ll be hoping it leads to a strong start to the season again.