Who is Samuele Ricci? The Arsenal-linked sensation who could play decisive role in the Premier League title race
Arsenal have been linked with midfield sensation Samuele Ricci ahead of the January transfer window.
Mikel Arteta strengthened his midfield options by signing Mikel Merino in the summer window, but an injury to Martin Odegaard has left Arsenal somewhat short in the middle of the park.
Arsenal have coped well with Leandro Trossard and Jorginho amongst those stepping up in Odegaard’s absence, but with the Gunners aiming to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title, any reinforcements would be welcomed in January.
Man City were dealt a huge blow when midfielder Rodri picked up a season-ending injury, and they could turn to the winter market to try and replace him.
Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci has now been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester City, and whichever club lands him could find themselves pulling ahead in what is expected to be a close title race.
But who is Samuel Ricci? Here’s a look at everything you need to know about one of Serie A’s best breakout stars.
Who is Samuele Ricci?
Samuel Ricci is a professional footballer who plays for Serie A side Torino, who finished in ninth place in the 2023-24 season.
Ricci came through the ranks at Empoli, before he joined Torino in January 2022, on an initial loan which was made permanent in the following summer.
Samuele Ricci’s age and where he was born
Ricci was born in Pontedera in the Tuscany region of central Italy, and graduated from the youth academy at Empoli in 2017.
He was born on August 21st, 2001, making Ricci 23 at the time of writing, and is a full-fledged Italian international.
What position does Samuele Ricci play in?
Ricci is a central defensive midfielder, who can play at the base of midfield as well as in a number eight role.
The midfielder is right-footed and is a player who is very much suited to a specialist role in the middle, rather than being versatile enough to play anywhere else.
Samuele Ricci height
Ricci’s height is 1.81m, which is roughly five feet and nine inches tall. This makes him shorter than defensive midfielders Declan Rice (1.86m), Thomas Partey (1.85m) and Rodri (1.90m), but taller than Jorginho (1.78m).
How Samuele Ricci transfer can affect Premier League title race for Man City and Arsenal
With both Man City and Arsenal interested in Ricci, he could go a long way in determining where the Premier League title ends up.
Ricci’s asking price of around £41.8m could be enough to ward either side off a move, but should he move and succeed, his destination will be crucial.
If Arsenal do make a surprising move to sign Ricci, Arteta will have an incredible plethora of midfield options to pick from, and this could further harm City if they then do not replace Rodri.
However, if Man City sign Ricci and he settles instantly, he could replace the Spaniard at the base of midfield, and help Pep Guardiola win his fifth consecutive Premier League title.