It has been ten years in development; ARSENAL has declared the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a cost of £42million.
Starting in Euro 2024, the Italian defender joins the Gunners following a protracted transfer drama.
Riccardo Calafiori has signed for Arsenal
The defender will wear the number 33 for the Gunners
Impressive for Italy during the competition, the adaptable defender had a great last term performance for Thiago Motta’s Bologna.
Crucially on Motta’s team, he helped Bologna finish fifth, therefore ensuring Champions League football for the next season.
Calafiori has signed a five-year contract with the Emirates, so strengthening an already excellent back line.
The 22-year-old admitted he had fantasised about the relocation for ten years: “It is incredible. It was difficult till now; but, at last we are here and I am excited to train with the squad and represent the supporters.
Since I was either 12 or 13, it has been my goal since I can see the level of the league here and the top players in the world, for me, play here.
“It’s dream.” Speaking with the coach and Edu, they persuaded me; yet, I was already convinced by myself.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a fantastic signing and provides us tremendous power to support our defence.
Riccardo is a large personality and character with particular abilities that will help us to be stronger as we fight for important medals.
“He has already demonstrated significant development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy; his advancement in the past year is very outstanding.
Working with Riccardo, including him into the squad, and helping him going forward will be much awaited.
The sporting director of Gunners, Edu, also said: “We welcome Riccardo to the family and it has been a fantastic collective effort in finalising this transfer.
“We decided to sign individuals that suit our profile using Riccardo as part of our plan, so strengthening our squad to challenge at the top level.
Though he is 22, he provides experience and quality. He will fast develop into an Arsenal player.
For his club and nation, Riccardo has constantly displayed his quality. Last season, he was among the greatest players in Serie A; this summer, he gave Italy outstanding performance in the Euros.
“We all look forward to seeing Riccardo in our shirt; Mikel and our coaches are eager to start working with him.”
Calafiori will wear the number 33 for his new team, a shirt number taken over from past players including Petr Cech and Arthur Okwonko.
He has already teamed up with his US new colleagues, where the north Londoners are presently getting ready for pre-season.
Calafiori revealed that the move involved Italy team-mate Jorginho.
“For the next few years, this is the best project I could find,” he remarked.
“I saw Jorginho one month ago, and he seems to be a decent man.
Though he pushed me, I was already convinced. Come, come, come! he remarked. You will find great enjoyment here.
Calafiori started his playing career at Roma, where he just made 18 appearances following academy graduation.
Afterwards he departed to join Genoa on loan, then permanently left to sign for Basel in 2022.
Following one season with the Swiss team, Bologna snatched him last summer.
But his quick ascent meant only 12 months later the Gunners have poached him.
Calafiori has five caps for the Italian national team
He impressed at Bologna last season
The 22-year-old joined Bologna from Basel last summer
Calafiori began his career at Roma
Amazingly, Clafiori completed all of that despite having a near career-ending injury during his adolescent years.
Fighting back to reach the top, the Italian missed 347 days after surgery when he was just sixteen years old.
Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly against Liverpool in Philidephia could give Arsenal supporters a first look at their newest acquisition.
Usually, though, incomings carry the drawback of outgoings.
And Arsenal will shortly be bidding farewell to Emile Smith Rowe, a graduate from Hale End and fan favourite.
After the Cottagers completed a club record deal of £34m to recruit the midfielder, the 24-year-old is expected to be joining London rivals Fulham.
Smith Rowe has been left out of the frame for Arsenal’s pre-season games against Man Utd and Bournemouth with boss Arteta citing background movement as the cause of his exclusion.
