Premier League side Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Italy centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.The 22-year-old Italy international was linked with both Juventus and Chelsea in recent months, but the Gunners moved quickest, securing a deal with Bologna for the promising defender.
A statement on Arsenal’s official website confirmed the news:
“Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has joined us from Serie A side Bologna on a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old defender was a member of the Azzurri squad at Euro 2024, after a season full of impressive performances at the heart of Bologna’s defence.
Riccardo started his career in the youth academy at Roma, where he spent 12 years developing from the youth set-up into the first-team. During his time there, he gained valuable experience on loan at fellow Italian side Genoa during the 2021/22 season.
In August 2022, the young defender, who has represented his national team at every age group, moved to Swiss side Basel, where he was a regular and made 26 league appearances that season. His high-quality performances resulted in a return to his homeland, with the imposing defender transferring to Bologna in August 2023.
Last season, Riccardo was a leading figure in their backline, emerging as one of the strongest and most consistent performers in Serie A. He played an integral role in helping ‘I Rossoblu’ to an impressive fifth position and Champions League qualification for the first time in 60 years. Riccardo’s dominant and physical performances were not only recognised with his Euros call-up, but by him also winning the Serie A Player of the Month for May 2024.”
[Image from Arsenal.com]
