ARSENAL have announced the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a sum of £42 million, a deal that has taken a decade to complete.
The Italian defender joins the Gunners after a lengthy transfer process that began during Euro 2024.
7Riccardo Calafiori has signed for ArsenalCredit: Getty
7The defender will wear the number 33 for Arsenal.ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up-to-date on the latest transactions and rumours from the Emirates. Credit: Getty
The versatile defender shined for Italy at the tournament and had a fantastic season with Thiago Motta’s Bologna last year.
He was a key member of Motta’s team, helping Bologna finish fifth and secure Champions League participation for the next season.
Calafiori has signed a five-year contract with the Emirates, boosting an already powerful back line.
The 22-year-old confessed that he had been dreaming about the relocation for a decade. “It feels fantastic. It has been difficult up to this point, but we are finally here, and I can’t wait to train with the team and play in front of the fans.
“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here.
“It’s a dream. I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me — but I was already convinced by myself.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “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.
Play VideoArsenal fans make ‘ELITE’ Calafiori chant before transfer for Italy star has been completed
7Calafiori has signed a five-year contract with the north London clubCredit: Getty
“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”
And Gunners’ sporting director Edu added: “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.
“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.”
Calafiori will wear the number 33 for his new team, which was formerly worn by Petr Cech and Arthur Okwonko.
He has already begun training with his new colleagues in the United States, where the North Londoners are presently preparing for the season.
Calafiori revealed that Italy teammate Jorginho had a role in the transfer.
He said: “It’s the best project for me for the next few years.
“I met Jorginho one month ago but I can see he’s a good guy.
“I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: ‘Come, come, come! You will enjoy being here’.”
Calafiori began his playing career at Roma, where he made only 18 appearances after graduating from the club’s youth.
He later went on loan to Genoa before signing permanently with Basel in 2022.
After one season with the Swiss club, he joined Bologna last summer.
However, his meteoric ascent continued, and just a year later, he was signed by the Arsenal.
Arsenal has a hard start to the season.
Clafiori accomplished all of this despite suffering a near-fatal accident as a teenager.
The Italian missed 347 days of play after undergoing surgery at the age of 16, but fought his way back to the top.
Arsenal meet Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in Philadelphia on Wednesday night, which might provide Arsenal fans with their first look at their new signing.
However, incomings are frequently accompanied by a corresponding leaving.
And it appears Arsenal will shortly part ways with Hale End graduate and fan favourite Emile Smith Rowe.
The 24-year-old is understood to be set to join London rivals Fulham after the Cottagers agreed a club record deal of £34m to sign the midfielder.
Smith Rowe has been left out of the frame for Arsenal’s pre-season clashes against Man Utd and Bournemouth with boss Arteta citing background movement as the reason for his absence.
He said: “There are things happening in the background at the moment.
“We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today.”
7Calafiori has five caps for the Italian national teamCredit: PA
7He impressed at Bologna last seasonCredit: Getty
7The 22-year-old joined Bologna from Basel last summerCredit: Getty