Arsenal have secured their first summer signing with the acquisition of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners have been closely linked with the versatile centre-back, who can also operate at left-back, following his standout performances at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old has now signed on the dotted line after a financial agreement worth approximately €50million (£42m) was reached with Bologna, who had previously snapped up the young talent from Basel last summer. Calafiori is set to join his new colleagues in the United States for Arsenal‘s pre-season tour.
Mikel Arteta, who pinpointed Calafiori as a key signing, commented on the deal: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence.
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. 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.”
Before finalising the deal for Calafiori, Arsenal‘s only summer signing had been David Raya, who made his loan move permanent for a fee of £27m.
Arsenal have bolstered their backline by securing the signature of Riccardo Calafiori, who joins the Gunners after a season where they boasted the Premier League‘s best defensive record, conceding just 29 goals in 38 matches.
Sporting director Edu expressed his delight at the acquisition: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.”
Edu highlighted the strategy behind the signing: “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. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player.”
He also praised Calafiori’s track record: “Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season, and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer. Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”
With Calafiori now on board, Arsenal‘s attention turns to Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, a standout performer at Euro 2024, as well as a potential new winger, with Nico Williams, Merino’s international teammate, also on the radar.
