The Riccardo Calafiori saga has finally met its end, with Arsenal confirming his signing on a permanent transfer. After putting the pen to paper, the former Bologna defender was introduced by Gunners coach Mikel Arteta to his new teammates at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Center in Colney, North London.
https://x.com/Arsenal/status/1817957212213408035
Calafiori moves to the London giants in deal worth approximately €50M, including bonuses and add-ons. The 22-year-old Italian defender has signed a four-year deal with the Gunners lasting until the summer of 2028.
He spoke his first words as an Arsenal player to the club’s official channels.
“It feels amazing. 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.”
The young defensive prodigy was instrumental for Bologna last season, playing a vital role in the Rossoblu’s run to securing UEFA Champions League football for the first time in history. He will don the number 33 in defense for Arteta’s team.
Roma and Basel are expected to bag a significant fee due to the transfer, thanks to the inclusion of sell-on and resale clauses added in his previous contracts with the respective clubs where he grew leaps and bounds as a stopper.
Bologna are currently eyeing veteran defender Mats Hummels on a free transfer to replace Calafiori, with the former’s experience understood to be the key reason as a maiden UCL campaign lies ahead.
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