According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Chelsea reportedly made a late attempt to stop Arsenal from signing Riccardo Calafiori during the summer of 2024, highlighting the intense competition between the two London rivals in the transfer market.

Chelsea and Arsenal have frequently competed for the signatures of several high-profile players. In a recent development, Mikel Arteta reportedly identified Morgan Rogers as a potential target, but Arsenal abandoned their pursuit after Aston Villa demanded £117 million, allowing Chelsea to complete the signing instead.

The Blues had also beaten Arsenal to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023 after the Gunners saw several bids rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk. However, missing out on the Ukrainian winger has arguably benefited Arsenal in the long run.

According to journalist Sam Dean’s book, Arsenal: The Inside Story of Arsenal’s Rebirth Under Mikel Arteta, Chelsea attempted to interfere with Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori before the Italian defender eventually moved to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal had been monitoring Calafiori during his time at Bologna and were determined to sign him regardless of his performances at Euro 2024. His impressive displays for Italy during the tournament subsequently attracted attention from several major European clubs.

Real Madrid and Chelsea were among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring the defender, increasing the competition for his signature. Chelsea even contacted Bologna while the Italian club was holding discussions with Arsenal representatives over a potential transfer.

However, Arsenal’s financial limitations initially prevented them from completing the deal before the European Championship. Former assistant sporting director Jason Ayto explained that the club needed to sell players before making further additions to the squad.

Ayto revealed that Arsenal had to follow a one-in, one-out transfer policy. Emile Smith Rowe’s departure to Fulham helped create the financial room needed to bring in Calafiori, while Eddie Nketiah’s exit contributed towards funding another planned midfield acquisition.

Arsenal eventually secured Calafiori for approximately £42 million, bringing in a defender who has since become an important member of Arteta’s squad.

The Italian international has impressed with his defensive abilities and attacking contributions, recording goals and assists while establishing himself as a regular starter. His performances have also strengthened Arsenal’s options at left-back.

Chelsea’s reported attempt to disrupt the transfer ultimately failed, allowing Arsenal to secure one of their preferred defensive targets. The revelations from Dean’s book also suggest that Arteta previously came close to becoming Newcastle United’s manager before eventually taking charge of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.