Arsenal star spotted in Barcelona with agent

Mundo Deportivo claim birthday trip has sparked transfer chatter

Riccardo Calafiori, a left-footed winger in Barcelona Mundo Deportivo27 May 2025 Riccardo Calafiori, left back of Arsenal and the Italian national team, was in Barcelona last Monday. He celebrated his 23rd anniversary, together with his representative, in a famous steak restaurant on Avenida del Tibidabo, which is a curious way to spend your birthday. There, the Roman player was trying to go unnoticed until some Barça fans recognized him and asked for a photograph. Calafiori agreed with the express request that she not be posted on social networks. But what was a good left-back doing eating in Barcelona, the day after playing the penultimate matchday of the League with Arsenal? Calafiori, under Arteta, has played less than expected in his first year in London. He has barely intervened in half of the Premier League matches, with only 11 starts. The manager has preferred other options, despite Arsenal paying 45 million euros for the Italian winger last summer. At Barça, they disassociate Calafiori's visit to Barcelona with any interest in the player. Officially, Barça is looking for an unbalancing winger and is thinking about Joan Garcia, a Spanish goalkeeper, to have a goalkeeper for 10 years. But Flick has been lame on the sidelines. On the right, the reconverted Koundé has had no relief. Eric, in the end, has supplied him with guarantees but he is not a specialist. On the left, the debutant Gerard Martín has had an obvious progression, but, defensively they beat his back too often, just like Balde. For sure they will improve, they are young, good and learn fast, but if Barça contacts experienced full-backs like Grimaldo, Calafiori could also be an option. At a different price, of course ● — Mundo Deportivo, 27 May 2025, “Riccardo Calafiori, a left-footed winger in Barcelona”

Riccardo Calafiori’s 23rd birthday celebrations in Barcelona have triggered a flurry of speculation in Spain, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting the Arsenal defender’s presence in the Catalan capital has raised eyebrows.

According to Xavier Bosch, writing for the Barcelona-based daily, the Italian left-back was seen dining with his agent at a well-known steakhouse on Avenida del Tibidabo on Monday evening. Mundo Deportivo report that Calafiori was attempting to keep a low profile before being recognised by Barcelona fans, who reportedly promised not to post their photos online.

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 04: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's seventh goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between PSV and Arsenal FC at PSV Stadion on March 04, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

While the timing of his visit – the day after Arsenal’s penultimate Premier League fixture – may seem innocent, Mundo Deportivo question why a “good left-back” would choose Barcelona for such a personal occasion. Calafiori, they write, has started just 11 league games this season, and while Arsenal paid a reported €45m for him last summer, he has struggled with injuries and consistency in his debut campaign in England. They first yes, the latter, not so much.

Nevertheless, the Catalan newspaper make clear that Barcelona currently have no active interest in Calafiori, insisting the club are prioritising a winger and are focused on signing Joan García from Espanyol to secure a long-term goalkeeper. The keeper was expected to join Arsenal, but things have changed on that front.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on as Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol saves his shot during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Still, Mundo Deportivo note that Hansi Flick has suffered from a lack of depth at full-back and has not ruled out experienced options such as Alejandro Grimaldo.

While the paper claims Calafiori’s visit is not linked to a formal approach from Barcelona, they suggest that, should circumstances shift, he could be considered “at another price.” Good luck with that.

For Arsenal, none of this is likely to change their plans. Calafiori remains part of a squad that has narrowly missed out on the Premier League title and is expected to feature more regularly next season, provided his injury issues subside.

MILAN, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy goes down with an injury and is checked on by Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

There is no indication that Arsenal are looking to sell, and sources close to the club continue to insist the Italian remains a key part of their long-term project.

Calafiori missed Arsenal’s final game of the season with Mikel Arteta telling reporters, “We pushed Richy a lot to make sure that he was fit for the last few games and he was two, three weeks ahead of schedule in his injury.

“He’s been constantly dragged into areas where he was really, really stretched and he wasn’t comfortable the last week or two. With a lot of things, he still wanted to carry on but we decided to give him a break.

“He needs a rest, he needs to now make sure that he has proper preparation, a clear pre-season and give him the best chance to have a successful season next season.”