Arsenal have confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori has joined the club from Serie A side Bologna. The Italian international has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners.
The 22-year-old defender was called up for the Azzurri squad at Euro 2024, following a successful season at the Italian club Bologna.
Riccardo started out his career at Roma youth academy, where he spent 12 years developing into the first team. He gained valuable experience on loan at Genoa during the 2021/2022 season.
After signing with Swiss club Basel in August 2022, the youthful defender – who has played for his country at every age group – became a regular and made 26 league appearances that season.
Riccardo starred with Bologna last season and was one of Serie A’s best and most reliable players. For the first time in sixty years, he helped ‘I Rossoblu’ qualify for the Champions League and finish in an astonishing fifth place. In addition to being called up to the Euros for his imposing and physically demanding performances, Riccardo was named May 2024’s Serie A Player of the Month.
Caliafori delighted with ‘dream come true’ transfer
Speaking with much happiness after completing his move to Arsenal, Calafiori said: “It feels amazing,” he expressed. “It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.”
“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.”
Sporting Director Edu said: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.”
“We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player.”
“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. Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta added: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence.”
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.”
“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”
Riccardo will be the new number 33 shirt and has joined up with his new teammates already in the US, Philadelphia, as Arsenal continue to prepare ahead of the upcoming 2024/2025 season.
