July 29, (THEWILL) – Arsenal have completed the signing of Italian defender, Riccardo Calafiori, from Bologna for £42 million.
The 22-year-old centre-back has agreed to a five-year contract with the North London club and will wear the number 33 shirt.
Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in the 2023/2024 season, playing a key role in the club’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. His strong performances earned him his first senior international call-up and a place in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Edu Gaspar, praised the new signing, highlighting Calafiori’s consistent quality for both club and country. He mentioned that the defender was among the top players in Serie A last season and impressed during Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign.
This transfer marks Arsenal’s second major acquisition ahead of the 2024/2025 season, following the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford. Calafiori could make his debut for the Gunners in their English Premier League opener against Wolves on August 17.
Manager Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff are eager to begin working with Calafiori, who is expected to strengthen Arsenal’s already tight defensive options for the upcoming season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
