Mikel Arteta believes Riccardo Calafiori’s “specific skills” can help Arsenal to make the final step in the quest for major trophies, after the Italy defender’s arrival from Bologna was confirmed.
Having signed a five-year deal, Calafiori met his new teammates in Philadelphia before Arsenal’s meeting with Liverpool in a friendly. The versatile 22-year-old, who is believed to have cost an initial £33.6m with the total fee expected to reach £42m including bonuses, is expected to be deployed at left-back despite starring in a more central role at Euro 2024.
Arteta believes the arrival of Calafiori, who he tracked for several months as the former Roma player’s impressive performances helped Bologna to finish fourth in Serie A, will strengthen a defence that conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season.
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies,” the Arsenal manager said. “He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.
“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad and supporting him in the years to come.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is expected to miss the start of the campaign owing to injury, competed for the left-back spot last season. Jurriën Timber, who spent most of last season out injured, is another option but Calafiori’s ability on the ball and reading of the game should make him a strong addition. Multiple bids are understood to have been made by other clubs in the past couple of weeks but Calafiori was intent on moving to north London.
“We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level,” Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, said. “He is 22 but brings quality and experience.”
Calafiori said: “I spoke a lot with the coach, with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself. I think it’s the best project for myself for the next years, and I think I will improve as a player and I hope we’re also going to win trophies.”
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Arsenal are expected to step up attempts to sign a midfielder and could approach Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino. The Euro 2024 winner with Spain has less than a year on his contract and has yet to agree an extension.
