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The Italian joined the North London club on a five-year deal from Bologna.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained the Gunners’ rationale for adding Riccardo Calafiori to the North London side on a five-year contract.
Calafiori was part of the Bologna side that secured Champions League participation for the first time under Thiago Motta, and the 22-year-old featured for Italy at the European Championship, playing three times before the Azzurri’s last-16 exit to Switzerland.
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Versatile enough to play at both left-back and centre-back, the Gunners fought off competition from several other clubs to secure the signing of the highly-rated defender.
What Arteta said about Calafiori joining Arsenal
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Speaking after the young defender’s acquisition, Arteta highlighted several reasons for the club’s £42 million splurge.
“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence,” said the Arsenal manager. “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.”
What comes next?
Calafiori, who has spoken about his reasons for joining the Premier League side, has joined the club’s tour of the United States.
Arsenal have played Bournemouth and Manchester United in their pre-season friendlies, avoiding defeat as preparations continue for another title challenge.
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