- 11 hours ago
OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete Riccardo Calafiori transfer
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Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners have unveiled their new defensive superstar after reaching an agreement with Bologna for a transfer worth €40 million upfront and €5m in add-ons. Calafiori has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates.
50 per cent of the transfer fee Arsenal paid out to Bologna are owed to the 22-year-old's former club FC Basel, which was a minor sticking point during the negotiations as the Serie A side were naturally keen to secure a large chunk of money for themselves.
READ MORE: What Arsenal fans can expect from Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal are thought to have landed a major coup with the signing of Calafiori. The Italy centre-back, who began his professional career at left-back, has the ability to take Mikel Arteta's side to the next level and will likely come in to immediately start for the north London giants.
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Calafiori's rise to prominence
The 22-year-old really burst onto the scene with Bologna last season, playing a crucial role in helping them secure a historic qualification for the 2024/25 Champions League.
Primarily played at centre-back by then-coach Thiago Motta, Calafiori established himself as one of the most unique players in that position in all of Europe. Due to being a full-back by trade, the Italian has not lost his attacking nous and frequently drives into midfield.
This will be crucial to Arsenal, who will likely start Calafiori at left-back, from where he is expected to invert in possession to help create overloads in the middle of the park.
READ MORE: How Arsenal will line up with Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal had been looking to strengthen the left side of their backline, but didn't view Calafiori as a priority target until he began running the show for Italy at Euro 2024.
The Italian had initially consented to a summer transfer to Juventus, but the move collapsed when the Bianconeri poached Bologna boss Motta, with the latter ultimately showing themselves unwilling to do any more business with their Serie A rivals.