OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete Riccardo Calafiori transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Jul 2024 16:06 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

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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.

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.

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.

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.