- Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna
- The defender has joined his teammates in Philadelphia for preseason.
- Calafiori shared a brief message after being ‘welcomed at home’ by Mikel Arteta
Riccardo Calafiori has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal and joined the team in Philadelphia today.
The deal for the 22-year-old Bologna defender, who can play at centre-back or left-back, is worth around £42m.
It puts an end to weeks of speculation linking the Italian to the Gunners, and is the first addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer.
Calafiori was a key player last season for Bologna, the Serie A side that qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six decades.
He then shone in Italy’s campaign for Euro 2024, starting all three group games.
Arsenal have officially unveiled Riccardo Calafiori after completing a £42million deal for the defender.
Calafiori arrived from Bologna and has already connected with his teammates in Philadelphia.
Calafiori’s arrival was officially announced to his new team-mates during a team meeting at Arsenal’s hotel and he gave a brief message after standing up.
“Of course I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “I’ve been waiting a long time.
“I hope we do something fantastic this year. Just this. Thank you.”
Shortly after the briefing, the versatile signing shared a warm hug with Arteta and was caught on camera asking: “Is this for real?”
Arteta beamed: “It’s real. It’s real. It’s real at last.”
Calafiori played 30 times for Bologna in the Italian top flight last season, scoring two goals and registering five assists, and has been hailed by Arteta as a “great signing”.
The 22-year-old delivered his first message to the team during a team meeting at the hotel.
He was later caught on camera asking if his late move to the club was “real”.
Calafiori impressed last season at club level and was an ever-present for Italy at Euro 2024
“Riccardo is a great personality and character, with specific skills that will make us stronger as we fight to win major trophies,” Arteta added.
‘He has already shown great development with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, and his progression and development over the last year is truly impressive.
“We look forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the team and supporting him in the years to come.”
More transfers are expected before the window closes on August 30 as Arteta looks to bolster his squad for another shot at the Premier League title.
The deal follows the activation of goalkeeper David Raya’s purchase option clause in his loan contract earlier this month.
