Whilst all eyes may be on Arsenal’s new signings, a few familiar faces will also be looking to make their mark this season.One such Gunner is Riccardo Calafiori, a player many fans hope can finally showcase his true ability in the fight for the Cannon.Injuries halted his debut campaignCalafiori did not enjoy the smoothest of debut seasons at Arsenal. Injuries disrupted his rhythm, and he missed 23 games in total, preventing him from finding any real consistency in red and white.Despite making 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists, his stop-start form left many feeling short-changed, especially after the club invested €50 million in the Italian defender.That said, there were clear glimpses of his potential. His performance against Newcastle, when he came on for William Saliba at half-time and partnered Jakub Kiwior, stood out as a highlight. In that penultimate match of the 2024-25 season, Calafiori delivered a composed, technically sound display that reflected the qualities he showed at Bologna and with the Italian national team.His ability to invert into midfield, contribute to build-up play, and create overloads offered Arsenal complete control that night – enough to leave fans wondering what might have been if injuries had not intervened.(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Calafiori must now stay fitWith Myles Lewis-Skelly impressing at left-back and Gabriel firmly established at left centre-back, Calafiori faces stiff competition. But many believe that if he can stay fit, he could genuinely challenge both for a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.Arteta has made his expectations clear.“He looks very, very excited,” the Arsenal boss told Football London. “We know that one of the biggest things we have to achieve this season is availability.”“It’s true that the two main injuries he had were on international duty with Italy. But these things can happen. Now we want a player who is consistently available and performing at the level that he can, because he brings an energy and predictability to the team that we’re really going to need.”“He was certainly missed for a big part of last season. Hopefully, with more understanding and a little bit of luck, we can see a great version of him.”A fully fit Calafiori could make this season’s battle for places in Arsenal’s defence one of the most intense under Arteta to date. And for the manager, that kind of internal competition is exactly what he wants.What are your thoughts on Calafiori Gooners?Daniel O__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal’s €50m Man Has a Point to Prove and Arteta Is Counting on It24 July 2025, 10:00Opinion: Arteta Responds as Arsenal Return to Singapore and Partey Situation Resurfaces24 July 2025, 9:00Arsenal Face Big Transfer Decision as Midfielder Emerges as Eze Alternative24 July 2025, 8:00The post Arsenal’s €50m Man Has a Point to Prove and Arteta Is Counting on It appeared first on Just Arsenal News.