HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally won the transfer battle over Chelsea to land 23yr old world class player who destroyed pep Guardiola team last season,player medical done as Arteta set to welcome His new signing today
HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally won the transfer battle over Chelsea to land 23yr old world class player who destroyed pep Guardiola team last season,player medical done as Arteta set to welcome His new signing today
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A outfit Bologna.
The 22-year-old joins on a five-year contract, with the Gunners forking out around £42 million to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.
The Italy international defender becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after David Raya signed on a permanent deal from Brentford.
Calafiori was a long-term target for the Gunners, and after protracted negotiations with Bologna, the deal has finally been completed.
The versatile centre-back completed his medical in London on Saturday before jetting off to the United States to link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad on their pre-season tour.
“It feels amazing,” Calafiori said in his first interview as an Arsenal player (via Arsenal.com).
“It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.
“It’s been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world play here. It’s a dream, not only for me but for everybody.
“I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself. I think it’s the best project for me for the next few years, and I think I will improve as a player.”
Calafiori joins Arsenal after an exceptional campaign for both club and country.
He was a standout performer in Thiago Motta’s Bologna side that made history by qualifying for the 2024/25 Champions League.
Calafiori featured 37 times across all competitions for Bologna, chipping in with two goals and five assists. His exceptional performances earned him a place in Luciano Spalletti’s European Championship squad.
Arsenal started their tour of the United States with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. They will face Liverpool next on Thursday.
