Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has officially completed his move to Arsenal from Bologna in a deal valued at £42 million ($53.9m). The 22-year-old has inked a five-year contract with the north London club and has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia as part of Arsenal's ongoing preseason tour in the United States. Calafiori will sport the No. 33 jersey for the Gunners.
Reports suggest that several clubs, including Juventus, had expressed interest in signing Calafiori earlier this month. However, after discussions with Arsenal's technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, the Italian defender made it clear that his desire was to join the Premier League side.
Calafiori played a pivotal role for Bologna last season, contributing significantly to the team's qualification for the Champions League for the first time in six decades. His performances at the European Championship in Germany further boosted his reputation, despite Italy's early exit in the round of 16.
Primarily utilized as a center-back by Bologna, Calafiori is equally adept at playing as a left-back, adding versatility to Arsenal's defensive options. His arrival is seen as a strategic move by Arsenal to strengthen their squad and enhance competitiveness at the highest level.
Calafiori's transfer marks the second major departure from Bologna this summer, with striker Joshua Zirkzee having already moved to Manchester United for a fee of £36.5 million ($43m).
Arsenal, who boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, will look to further solidify their backline with the addition of Calafiori. The Gunners are scheduled to face Liverpool in a friendly match on Wednesday as part of their preseason preparations.
