In an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera published May 29, 2026, the 24-year-old full-back revealed the emotional tug-of-war between his loyalty to Arsenal—where he’s become a key figure under Mikel Arteta—and his deep-rooted ties to the club that shaped his career. “I’m happy here now, but I still have unfinished business with Roma,” Calafiori told reporters ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.

Calafiori’s remarks come as Arsenal prepare to face PSG in the final of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, a tournament Roma has yet to conquer. The Italian defender, who joined Arsenal in 2021 after a brief loan spell at Sampdoria, has flourished under Arteta, forming a formidable partnership with Bukayo Saka and becoming a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defensive structure.

“I want to return. Not right now, but sooner or later. I have unfinished business with Roma.”

From Olimpico to the Emirates: The Calafiori Story

Calafiori’s journey from Roma’s youth academy to the Premier League is a tale of ambition and emotional attachment. Born in Rome and raised in the city’s working-class neighborhoods, the defender cut his teeth at the AS Roma academy, where he was groomed alongside future stars like Nicolò Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

However, his professional debut with Roma’s first team was limited. The club’s financial struggles during the early 2020s forced difficult decisions, and Calafiori—then just 18—was loaned out to Sampdoria before eventually joining Arsenal in a £40 million deal in 2021. The move was controversial among Roma fans, who saw it as another example of the club’s inability to retain talent during lean years.

Yet for Calafiori, the emotional bond remained. “I never stopped being a Roma fan,” he admitted. “Even when I was playing for Sampdoria and then Arsenal, I would watch every Roma match. The stadium, the fans—they’re part of who I am.”

Key Moments in Calafiori’s Career

• 2018-2020: Roma youth system graduate, limited first-team appearances due to competition.
• 2020-2021: Loan to Sampdoria, where he established himself as a first-team regular.
• 2021: Permanent move to Arsenal for £40 million, becoming a key player in Arteta’s rebuild.
• 2023-2024: Arsenal’s defensive backbone, helping the club reach the Champions League semifinals.
• 2025-2026: Premier League champion with Arsenal, now preparing for the UCL final.

Contract Realities: Can Roma Make It Happen?

Despite his emotional connection, Calafiori’s immediate future with Arsenal appears secure. The defender is contracted to the Gunners until the summer of 2029, a deal worth an estimated £120,000 per week. However, his comments suggest a long-term ambition that could reshape his career trajectory.

Calafiori’s Current Contract

Club: Arsenal FC

Position: Right-back (also plays left-back)

Contract Expiry: Summer 2029

Weekly Wage: ~£120,000 (estimated)

Transfer Value: ~£60 million (per Transfermarkt, May 2026)

Caps: 47 for Italy (as of May 2026)

Roma, meanwhile, have undergone a remarkable transformation under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Since their relegation in 2022, the club has rebuilt with a mix of youth and shrewd signings, securing a Champions League spot for the 2026/27 season. Their resurgence has reignited hopes among fans that Roma can once again compete at Europe’s highest level.

What Would a Calafiori Return Mean for Roma?

From a tactical perspective, Calafiori’s potential return would address several gaps in Roma’s current squad. The Giallorossi have struggled with defensive consistency, particularly at right-back, where players like Matteo Pessina and Dani Olmo have shown promise but lack Calafiori’s Premier League experience and defensive solidity.

Gasperini’s system thrives on quick transitions and high pressing, qualities Calafiori has mastered at Arsenal. His ability to read the game, cover ground efficiently, and contribute to attacks would be a significant upgrade for Roma’s right flank.

Calafiori’s leadership would be invaluable. As a veteran in a squad that includes young talents like Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Hernani, he could help bridge the gap between experience and youth.

“Gemuruh Olimpico”: The Emotional Pull of Rome

For Roma fans, Calafiori’s words resonate deeply. The Stadio Olimpico has long been a cauldron of emotion, where players like Francesco Totti became legends through their loyalty and passion. Calafiori’s admission that he “misses the roar of Olimpico” underscores the unique atmosphere that binds players to the club.

“It’s not just about football,” said a lifelong Roma supporter from Trastevere. “It’s about the city, the history, the fans. When a player like Calafiori says he wants to come back, it’s not just about his career—it’s about his soul.”

The Business of Bringing Back a Star

Financially, Roma’s ability to sign Calafiori would depend on several factors. The club’s ownership, led by Daniel Piano, has prioritized financial sustainability while aiming for Champions League football. Their recent signings—such as João Neves and Hernani—suggest a willingness to invest in key positions.

Arsenal, meanwhile, would need to find a replacement. Options could include developing young talents like Jorginho or making a high-profile signing in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have shown in the past that they are willing to pay premium wages to retain key players, as seen with Martin Ødegaard‘s contract extension in 2025.

Looking Ahead: The 2026/27 Season and Beyond

With the 2025/26 season nearing its conclusion, both Calafiori and Roma have time to consider their options. The defender will be 25 years old by the start of the next campaign, entering his prime years. Roma, meanwhile, will be focused on maintaining their Champions League status and building on their recent resurgence.

One potential scenario is a loan move in the 2026/27 season, allowing Calafiori to reunite with Roma while Arsenal assess his long-term future. This would give both clubs a chance to explore the partnership without committing to a permanent transfer.

Alternatively, Roma could explore a co-ownership deal, similar to the arrangement that saw Lautaro Martínez move from Inter to Roma in 2023. Such a deal would split the transfer fee and allow Calafiori to remain under Arsenal’s wage structure while playing for Roma.

How to Follow the Story

The next major checkpoint will be the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, including Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG on June 3, 2026, at the Wembley Stadium (local time: 7:00 PM BST / 6:00 PM UTC). Calafiori’s performance in this match could influence his future decisions.

Roma’s pre-season preparations will begin in July 2026, with Gasperini expected to announce his squad in early August. Any rumors of a Calafiori move would likely surface during the summer transfer window, with a potential loan or permanent transfer becoming official by September 1, 2026.

For now, fans on both sides of the Alps will watch closely as Calafiori’s journey continues to unfold—a story that blends ambition, emotion, and the timeless allure of football.