Arsenal has signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A outfit Bologna in a transfer worth about £38 million. The five-year deal also includes a hefty £19 million signing-on fee to be paid to Calafiori’s former club, Basel.
The 22-year-old Calafiori has been in the limelight since his amazing performances at Euro 2024, impressing many at club and international levels. Arsenal sporting director Edu heaped much praise upon Calafiori, saying, “Riccardo has proved his qualities for his club and his country time and again. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season and performed strongly for Italy at the European Championships in the summer.”.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed the new man, stating he had become excited about Calafiori’s growth. “Riccardo is a great personality with special skills that will make us even stronger on our way to winning major trophies,” he said. “His progress and development have been really impressive.”
Calafiori will wear the number 33 shirt for Arsenal as he begins his adventure with the Gunners.
