The 2002-born centre-back is set to sign a long-term deal at the Emirates, adding a defensive boost to an already impressive Arsenal squad. Before welcoming Calafiori, here’s everything Arsenal fans need to know about the Italian international.

1. Strengths

Italian football journalist Alessandro Eremiti once commented that Calafiori is exactly the type of centre-back Mikel Arteta needs. As he picked up the ball and then assisted Mattia Zaccagni’s late goal against Croatia at EURO 2024, it was easy to see that the 22-year-old defender is very comfortable on the ball.

In the 2023/24 season, Riccardo Calafiori completed a total of 90% of his passes. The majority of these were progressive passes, averaging 21 per game. He also has a good ability to control possession after winning it back.

Calafiori is a talented young centre-back.

Only five defenders in Serie A last season made more interceptions than the Bologna centre-back, while his 7.5 recoveries per game were also among the top in the league. His 1.88m height also helps Calafiori excel in the air.

2. Weaknesses

Riccardo Calafiori’s aggressive, forward-looking style of play can sometimes lead to mistakes. The 22-year-old centre-back made the fifth most errors leading to shots on target in Serie A last season.

3. Performance with Bologna

In his only season with Bologna, Calafiori helped the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in five decades, and was a key defender in Thiago Motta’s tactically versatile and effective campaign last season.

This deal is pending official announcement.

It was his impressive form for Bologna that earned Riccardo Calafiori a starting spot for Italy at EURO 2024. He also won the Serie A Player of the Month award last May.

4. Compared to Paolo Maldini

Italian football has produced many world-class central defenders such as Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. It is understandable why when any young central defender emerges, the Italian press will immediately find some comparison for him.

Riccardo Calafiori has been compared to Maldini – the legend of the Italian national team and AC Milan club. Of course, reaching the level of his predecessor is impossible, but there is something about the style of play that makes many Arsenal fans dream of a world-class centre-back in the future.