Arsenal Football Club has officially signed Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna on a long-term contract. The 22-year-old defender, who was part of Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, joins Arsenal following an impressive season with Bologna, where he played a crucial role in their fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Calafiori’s football journey began at Roma’s youth academy, where he spent 12 years before gaining further experience on loan at Genoa and later moving to Basel. His outstanding performances earned him a return to Italy with Bologna in 2023, where he excelled and won the Serie A Player of the Month award in May 2024.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Edu, expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, emphasizing Calafiori’s quality, experience, and suitability for the team’s profile. Manager Mikel Arteta also welcomed Calafiori, highlighting his strength, character, and skills, which will bolster the team’s defense and support their pursuit of major trophies.
Calafiori will wear the number 33 shirt and has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia for pre-season preparations ahead of the 2024/25 season.
https://x.com/Arsenal/status/1817957212213408035
By Ebubedike Ochu
