Arsenal 'should be proud' of Calafiori coup - Arteta

Cameron Smith

2 Aug 2024 02:30 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes the club “should be really proud” of the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

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The Italy international was heavily linked with both Juventus and Chelsea earlier this summer, but he opted to join the north London side for €45 million instead.

Calafiori starred for Bologna last season and he was Italy’s standout player during a fairly dismal Euro 2024 campaign.

The 22-year-old is expected to become Arsenal’s starting left-back, although he is equally capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back.

Speaking while on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA, Arteta revealed his delight at the Gunners’ coup.

“I spoke to him one or two times and I knew the other things [teams being interested],” Arteta admitted.

“I wasn’t really sure if we could do it or not, but he was adamant: ‘Let me know when you’re ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal’.

“Those were his words and when you have that feeling, someone with that willingness to join us and make us better and that determination, it’s something really powerful and as a club, we should be really proud of that.”

© IMAGO - Riccardo Calafiori is now an Arsenal player

Arsenal’s summer transfer business

In addition to Calafiori, Arsenal have also signed David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford following his successful loan spell at the club last season.

The Spaniard is now the eighth-most expensive goalkeeper in football history following his €31.9m move to the Emirates Stadium.

Furthermore, Arsenal are also closing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the Spain international, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, and are now on the verge of finalising a €30m deal.

A new attacker is also wanted by Arteta, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal are able to fund a move for either Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres.