The transfer saga is finally over!Riccardo Calafiori has officially joined Arsenal from Bologna for a £42m fee, including bonuses.The 22-year-old, who was an essential part of Italy’s defence in all three group games at Euro 2024, has signed a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta’s side.Benvenuto, Riccardo Calafiori 🇮🇹Meeting new teammates for the very first time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JbUhqOBCMN— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 29, 2024 Calafiori put the pen on paper and immediately joined up with his new teammates in Philadelphia, where Arsenal are spending their pre-season.”I’m really happy to be here,” said Calafiori. “I waited a lot.”I hope we are going to do something great this season.”Calafiori is eligible to play as a central defender or at left back, and has previously played on the left wing.💬 “I don’t want to say too much, I don’t like to speak, I like to play. For sure, they [our supporters] will see on the pitch what I can do well.”Love that, Riccardo ❤️— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 29, 2024 He made 30 appearances for Bologna in Serie A last season, scoring two goals and recording five assists as they finished fifth to seal a Champions League spot.Arteta described Calafiori as a “great signing”.”Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies,” the Spaniard added.”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.”At the same time, the Gunners are set to sell midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for an initial £27m fee.##NAJAVA_MECA_8234595##
