Arsenal has officially completed the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a fee that could rise to £42 million including add-ons. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners and will wear the number 33 shirt. Calafiori has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia for their pre-season tour.Calafiori played a crucial role in Bologna’s successful 2023-24 season, helping the team secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 60 years. His performances also earned him a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, where he featured prominently.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, ‘Riccardo has a strong personality and skills that will make us better in our pursuit of major titles’. Sporting Director Edu Gaspar added, ‘Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer’.With the Calafiori deal now complete, Arsenal is reportedly shifting its focus to other potential signings. The club is said to be interested in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with talks set to advance next week. Merino, who impressed for Spain in Euro 2024, is in the final year of his contract and could be available for a reasonable fee.As Arsenal continues to strengthen its squad, the signing of Calafiori and the pursuit of Merino demonstrate the club’s ambition to challenge for major honors in the upcoming season.
Key points
- Arsenal has signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for up to £42 million.
- Calafiori has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 33 shirt.
- Arsenal is now targeting Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
