Arsenal Bolster Defense with £42m Riccardo Calafiori Signing
Arsenal have made a significant statement of intent by securing the services of Italian International defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a fee of £42 million. The 22-year-old center-back has penned a 5-year contract with the Gunners and will wear the number 33 shirt.
Riccardo Calafiori’s impressive performances for Bologna last season, which saw the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League, earned him a senior Italy call-up and subsequent appearance at UEFA Euro 2024. His addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad further strengthens Arsenal’s defensive options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Arsenal Sporting Director Edu Gaspar expressed his delight at the signing, highlighting Calafiori’s talent and potential. The defender could make his debut for the Gunners when they host Wolves on August 17.
“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 [Arteta] and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”
Riccardo Calafiori is Arsenal’s second major signing ahead of the 2024-25 season after Mikel Arteta made David Raya’s initial loan move from Brentford permanent earlier this month.
