)
Arsenal have completed a €45 million deal for Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal have completed the signing of 22-year-old defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of an anticipated Premier League title race next season.
The Gunners began negotiations for the Italian defender following his impressive European Championship outing. After protracted talks, he is now a Gooner.
PAY ATTENTION: Join the BETTING PROF Telegram channel now
)
15:46 - 29.07.2024
Arsenal open talks with Napoli for Osimhen as striker search intensifies
Arsenal will be hoping to take advantage of PSG cooling their interest in Victor Osimhen to seal a deal for the Napoli forward
)
12:02 - 29.07.2024
REPORT: Liverpool fail to hijack Arsenal's bid for prolific forward
Mikel Arteta’s side are in pole position to land marksman ahead of the Reds.
He signed a five-year contract, which will keep him at the club until at least 2029. He will wear the number 33 jersey. The club has not revealed the transfer fee paid, but it is reported to be around €45 million.
Arsenal excited about their new signing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, excited about the new addition, had this to say: “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.
Sporting director Edu stressed how the defender fit the profile they sought and how they are excited to have completed the deal: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.”
“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.”
The allure of Calafiori
The young centre-back was an important member of Thiago Motta’s side that punched above their weight in Serie A last season and earned a Champions League spot.
His performance i Rossoblu earned him a spot in Luciano Spaletti’s Azzurri squad for the Euros, and he carried on his good form into the tournament.
)
Calafiori is a left-footed central defender who can also be deployed as a left-back, fitting the versatility bill Mikel Arteta has been reported to desire.
Arsenal did not have it all their way in their chase for the AS Roma academy graduate, as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were reported to have indicated interest; however, Calafiori insisted on joining the 14-time FA Cup champions.
Related content
15:46 - 29.07.2024
Arsenal open talks with Napoli for Osimhen as striker search intensifies
Arsenal will be hoping to take advantage of PSG cooling their interest in Victor Osimhen to seal a deal for the Napoli forward
12:02 - 29.07.2024
REPORT: Liverpool fail to hijack Arsenal's bid for prolific forward
Mikel Arteta’s side are in pole position to land marksman ahead of the Reds.
)
07:37 - 04.08.2024
Transfer News: Arsenal identify perfect midfield gem to replace injury-prone Partey
Mikel Arteta has reportedly stepped up plans to bring in a replacement for Thomas Partey who is expected to leave the club this summer.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)