Arsenal have finalized the transfer of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a total fee of up to £42 million, including add-ons. The 22-year-old, who played in Italy's three group stage matches at Euro 2024, has agreed to a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Calafiori has immediately joined his new teammates in Philadelphia. "I'm really happy to be here," Calafiori said. "I waited a lot. I hope we are going to do something great this season."
Calafiori, who can operate as a central defender, left-back, or even as a left winger, had a single season with Bologna. During the last Serie A season, he made 30 appearances, scored two goals, and provided five assists, helping Bologna achieve a fifth-place finish and secure a Champions League spot.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the signing as a valuable addition, noting, "Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies." He continued, "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."
Calafiori was recognized as Serie A's player of the month in May and earned all five of his senior Italy caps this summer. His career began at Roma in 2020, followed by a loan spell at Genoa and a stint at Basel in 2022. Bologna acquired him for £3.3 million after his season in Switzerland.
At Bologna, Calafiori primarily played as a central defender under former coach Thiago Motta, who has since moved to Juventus. Juventus and Chelsea were among the other clubs reportedly interested in him.
At Arsenal, Calafiori will compete for a spot with centre-back Gabriel or left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Gunners are aiming for their first Premier League title in 21 years, having finished second in the league in the previous two seasons.
Additionally, Arsenal are expected to sell midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for an initial £27 million, with a potential £7 million in add-ons.
