Arsenal has made a significant signing by securing Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a £42 million deal. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the north London club and has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia as they continue their preseason tour in the United States. Calafiori is set to wear the No. 33 jersey for Arsenal.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Calafiori stated, “It feels amazing — it was tough until now, but finally we’re here & I cannot wait to start to train with the team & play for the fans.” He also mentioned having conversations with the coach and Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, which further convinced him that Arsenal was the right project for him in the coming years.
Despite receiving multiple bids from other clubs, including Juventus, Calafiori’s preference was always to join Arsenal. After talks with Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, the decision was made to move to the Premier League. Edu expressed his delight in welcoming Calafiori to the Arsenal family and highlighted the defender’s qualities in enhancing the team’s performance at the highest level.
Calafiori gained recognition for his performances at Bologna, where he played a key role in securing Champions League qualification for the club. His stock rose further during the European Championship, where he stood out in an Italy side that reached the round of 16. Despite being suspended for the Switzerland clash, Calafiori’s versatility as both a centre-back and left-back makes him a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad’s defensive line.
Calafiori’s departure from Bologna marks the second high-profile exit from the club this summer, with striker Joshua Zirkzee joining Manchester United. This move is a significant loss for Bologna, as they lose a talented player who contributed to their success last season. Arsenal’s acquisition of Calafiori adds depth and quality to their defense, further strengthening their position as one of the top teams in the Premier League.
Arsenal is scheduled to face Liverpool in a friendly match on Wednesday, providing an opportunity for Calafiori to showcase his skills and adapt to his new team. The match will serve as a platform for the defender to integrate into the Arsenal squad and continue his development under the guidance of Arteta and his coaching staff.
Leave a Reply