Arsenal have completed a second major summer signing after confirming the arrival of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A
The Gunners have waited a while to get this deal done.
The deal to sign goalkeeper David Raya permanently was done more than three weeks ago with full focus turning to signing Riccardo Calafiori.
Italian defender Calafiori became Arsenal’s top target after helping Bologna reach the Champions League.
Calafiori then impressed at Euro 2024 and Arsenal were sold on the move.
Arsenal agreed a deal for Calafiori last week and the 22-year-old has now put the finishing touches on his move.
Riccardo Calafiori message to Arsenal players
Anticipation has been building with the likes of Paul Merson believing that Calafiori is a simply ‘brilliant’ signing for Arsenal.
Arsenal have now confirmed Calafiori’s arrival, handing him a ‘long-term contract’ in the process.
The Gunners have even posted a video of Mikel Arteta introducing the Arsenal squad to their new teammate.
Arteta encouraged Calafiori to speak and the Italian offered a brief message to the Arsenal players.
“Of course I’m really happy to be here,” said Calafiori. “I waited a lot. I hope we are going to do something great this year. Just this, thank you,” he added.
‘Waited a lot’ is probably an understatement as this deal seems to have been dragging on for weeks now.
Calafiori is finally an Arsenal player though and he clearly believes that the Gunners can achieve something this term.
A Premier League title push is the main focus but Arsenal will also be a threat in the League Cup, FA Cup and even Champions League.
Calafiori will be key in all of those competitions and fans no doubt can’t wait to see him in action.
Calafiori arrival could spark a departure
We can understand why Arteta wanted Calafiori so much.
An elegant defender who has also been dubbed a ‘soldier’ by former Bologna teammate Joshua Zirkzee, Zirkzee is a strong physical presence whilst being very impressive on the ball.
Arteta loves to use defenders with centre back experience at full back, such as Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber.
Calafiori adds to that approach with his ability to play as a left-sided centre back or left back in Arteta’s system.
That description does also apply to Jakub Kiwior though, with the Pole now facing a potential departure.
HITC understands that Arsenal have told Kiwior that he can leave with Italian champions Inter Milan interested in a deal.
Kiwior may well head back to Serie A just as Calafiori arrives, bringing an end to 18 months in North London.
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