Arsenal have completed the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a fee potentially rising to £42 million, including add-ons. The 22-year-old, who featured in Italy’s three group games at Euro 2024, has penned a five-year contract with Mikel Arteta’s side.
Calafiori has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia and expressed his excitement about the move. “I’m really happy to be here,” said Calafiori. “I waited a lot. I hope we are going to do something great this season.”
Versatile in his defensive capabilities, Calafiori can play as a central defender or at left-back and has previously operated as a left winger. Last season, he made 30 appearances for Bologna in Serie A, scoring two goals and providing five assists, helping the team secure a fifth-place finish and a Champions League spot.
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Arteta praised Calafiori, calling him a “great signing.” He stated, “Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies.
He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive. We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”
Calafiori’s impressive form earned him Serie A Player of the Month honours in May, and he won all five of his senior Italy caps this summer. He made his senior debut for Roma in 2020 and had a loan spell at Genoa before joining Basel in 2022. After one season in Switzerland, Bologna signed him for £3.3 million.
Initially starting his career as a left-back who could play further forward, Calafiori primarily featured as a central defender under former Bologna boss Thiago Motta, who has since moved to Juventus. Both Juventus and Chelsea were among the clubs linked with him.
At Arsenal, Calafiori is expected to compete with centre-back Gabriel and left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko for a place in the starting lineup. The Gunners are aiming to challenge for their first Premier League title in 21 years after finishing second in back-to-back seasons.
