Riccardo Calafiori has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal and joined the squad in Philadelphia today.
The deal for the 22-year-old Bologna defender, who can play at centre back or left back, is worth around £42 million.
This transfer ends weeks of speculation linking the Italian to the Gunners and marks the first addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer. Calafiori was a key player last season for Bologna, helping the Serie A team secure Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades.
He also shone in Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all three of their group stage matches. Calafiori’s arrival was officially announced to his new teammates during a squad meeting at Arsenal’s team hotel, where he delivered a brief message after standing up.
“Of course, I’m really happy to be here,” he said. “I waited a lot. I hope we are going to do something great this year. Just this. Thank you.”
The versatile addition then shared a warm embrace with Arteta shortly after the briefing and was caught on camera asking, “Is this real?”
A beaming Arteta responded, “It’s real. It’s real. Finally, it’s real.”
Calafiori played 30 times for Bologna in the Italian top flight last season, scoring two goals and recording five assists. Arteta has lauded him as a “great signing.”
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies,” Arteta added. “He has already shown great development with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year really impressive.
“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”
Further transfers are expected before the window closes on August 30 as Arteta looks to bolster his squad for another tilt at the Premier League title.
This deal follows the activation of goalkeeper David Raya’s option-to-buy clause in his loan contract earlier this month.
