Arsenal’s latest signing Riccardo Calafiori is determined to achieve great things with the club next season.

The club announced on Monday the signing of the defender, who becomes Mikel Arteta’s fourth addition of the summer. Arsenal paid £33.7m for his services, which could rise to £42m with add-ons after he joined from Serie A outfit Bologna.

Arteta added: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence. 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.”

 

Sporting director Edu hailed the club’s collective effort in securing a deal for the defender, saying: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.

Arsenal beat Juventus to Calafiori’s signature with the defender penning a five-year deal. Calafiori met his new teammates in the United States as pre-season preparations continue ahead of another friendly against Liverpool on Wednesday.

After being welcomed by Arteta, Calafiori told his teammates: “Of course I’m really happy to be here. I waited a lot and I hope we do something great this year. Just this, thank you.”