Riccardo Calafiori enjoys samba in Rio, sparks Flamengo transfer talk

Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who plays for Arsenal and the Italy national team, was photographed joining a samba circle in Rio de Janeiro after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A video of him clapping and singing went viral on social media.

The sight has reignited speculation that Flamengo could sign the 23‑year‑old, especially after former Arsenal teammate Jorginho, now at Flamengo, teased the move online. Flamengo, currently third in Brazil's Serie A, is looking to bolster its defence, and Calafiori’s experience in the Premier League and the Champions League final adds appeal. While the player enjoys his holiday, the possible transfer remains unconfirmed.

Calafiori also posted images of Rio’s skyline and brief photos from Buenos Aires, but his focus appears to be on his future club options beyond Arsenal.