The Scout provides analysis of the players added to Fantasy Premier League.
Riccardo Calafiori (ARS) £6.0m DEF
The arrival of Calafiori looks set to further strengthen Arsenal’s prospects at both ends of the pitch in 2024/25 Fantasy.
The Gunners boasted the best defensive record in the league last season, collecting 18 clean sheets - five more than any other side.
That resilience was reflected in the defender standings in 2023/24 Fantasy, with Ben White (£6.5m), William Saliba and Gabriel (both £6.0m) occupying the top three places.
With Calafiori expected to become part of Mikel Arteta's first-choice back four, it is no surprise to see him priced at £6.0m.
Where will he play?
Calafiori was a huge success in his final season at Bologna last campaign, scoring twice and supplying five assists in 30 Serie A outings.
Although he played as a centre-back for the Italian side, the versatile 22-year-old is expected to secure the inverted left-back role under Arteta in 2024/25.
This would allow Calafiori to move into midfield when Arsenal are in possession, with Saliba and Gabriel remaining central and White pushing forward from his role on the right.
Certainly, a quick glance at the minutes played by each Arsenal defender last season indicates Calafiori arrives to address the left-back position. Saliba started all 38 matches, while White and Gabriel made 35 and 34 starts respectively and appear to be settled picks under Arteta.
Calafiori’s aerial dominance is another big factor here. He won 71 per cent of the headed duels he contested last season, more than any Arsenal defender.
This could prove crucial when it comes to free-kicks and corners in the campaign ahead.
Arsenal scored a league-high 22 goals from set-pieces last season, while their 16 goals from corners were also more than any other side.
Although Gabriel – as the left-sided centre-back – is more at risk of losing his place to Calafiori than Saliba, the Brazilian's huge threat in such situations shows why he is likely to remain a vital asset for Arteta’s team in 2024/25.
Gabriel produced 28 shots from set-pieces last campaign, at least 20 more than any other Arsenal defender.
Arsenal defenders' set-piece threat 2023/24
| Player | Shots from set-pieces | Headed shots from set-pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel | 28 | 24 |
| Tomiyasu | 8 | 6 |
| Zinchenko | 8 | 0 |
| Saliba | 7 | 5 |
| White | 6 | 4 |
| Kiwior | 3 | 1 |
Calafiori not only has the aerial ability to make the Gunners even more dangerous in those situations, his versatility and skillset also makes him a tailor-made solution for Arteta at left-back.
Other additions to Fantasy
Calafiori is one of two players who have been added to Fantasy on Tuesday, with Fulham signing Ryan Sessegnon also coming into the game as a £4.5m defender.
In total, 12 players have been added since 2024/25 FPL went live earlier this month.
All additions to 2024/25 Fantasy
| Player | Club | Position | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savio | MCI | MID | £6.5m |
| Riccardo Calafiori | ARS | DEF | £6.0m |
| Jaden Philogene | AVL | MID | £5.5m |
| Jesper Lindstrom | EVE | MID | £5.5m |
| Abdul Fatawu | LEI | MID | £5.5m |
| Flynn Downes | SOU | MID | £5.0m |
| Andy Irving | WHU | MID | £5.0m |
| Ryan Sessegnon | FUL | DEF | £4.5m |
| Leny Yoro | MUN | DEF | £4.5m |
| Nikola Milenkovic | NFO | DEF | £4.5m |
| Arijanet Muric | IPS | GKP | £4.5m |
| Caleb Wiley | CHE | DEF | £4.0m |