After 10 years of preparation, Arsenal has announced the £42 million purchase of Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian defender joins the Gunners for Euro 2024 after a drawn-out transfer drama.

Arsenal has signed Riccardo Calafiori.Arsenal has signed Riccardo Calafiori.The defender will don the Gunners’ number 33.The defender will don the Gunners’ number 33.

The versatile defender was impressive for Italy during the competition and had a fantastic season for Bologna under Thiago Motta.

He was instrumental in helping Bologna secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season, which was crucial for Motta’s squad.

With the signing of a five-year contract, Calafiori has strengthened the already strong back line for the Emirates.

The 22-year-old acknowledged that for ten years, he had fantasised about moving: “It is amazing.” Even though it has been challenging thus far, we are finally here, and I can’t wait to train with the team and represent the fans.

It has been my ambition since I was 12 or 13. I can see the calibre of the league here, and the best players in the world, in my opinion, play here.

“That’s a dream.” After talking to Edu and the coach, they managed to convince me, but I was already persuaded.

“We are happy to have Riccardo and his family join Arsenal,” stated Mikel Arteta, manager of the team. He is a great addition to our team and gives us a lot of strength to help our defence.

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Large-hearted and charismatic, Riccardo possesses unique skills that will fortify us in our pursuit of significant medals.

With his performances for both Bologna and Italy in recent seasons, he has already shown notable development; his improvement over the previous year is truly remarkable.

It will be exciting to collaborate with Riccardo, welcome him to the team, and support him in the future.

“We welcome Riccardo to the family and it has been a fantastic collective effort in finalising this transfer,” added Edu, the sports director of Gunners.

“As part of our plan, we signed players who fit our profile, and with Riccardo, we strengthened our team to compete at the highest level.”

Despite his age of 22, he offers quality and experience. He’ll become an Arsenal player very quickly.

Riccardo has consistently proven his worth to his team and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A the previous season, and he performed admirably for Italy at the Euros this summer.

“Mikel and our coaches are excited to work with Riccardo; we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”

For his new squad, Calafiori will don the number 33, which was previously held by players like Petr Cech and Arthur Okwonko.

He has already formed an alliance with his new American colleagues, and the north Londoners are currently preparing for the preseason.

Jorginho, Calafiori’s teammate from Italy, was engaged in the transaction.

“This is the best project I could find for the next few years,” he said.

“Jorginho seems like a kind man; I saw him a month ago.

He pressed me, but I was sold already. Come on over! he exclaimed. Here, you will have a lot of fun.

After graduating from the academy, Calafiori began his playing career at Roma, where he only made 18 appearances.

He subsequently moved to accept a loan with Genoa before moving permanently to Basel in 2022.

He spent a season with the Swiss squad before being signed by Bologna last summer.

However, his rapid rise meant that the Gunners had stolen him only a year later.

Calafiori has five international caps for Italy.Calafiori has five international caps for Italy.He made a lasting impression at Bologna the previous season.The 22-year-old moved from Basel to Bologna throughout the summer.The 22-year-old moved from Basel to Bologna throughout the summer.Calafiori started working at Roma.Calafiori started working at Roma.

Remarkably, Clafiori accomplished all of that in spite of suffering an injury in his teenage years that almost ended his career.

Striking back to become the best, the sixteen-year-old Italian missed 347 days following surgery.

The preseason friendly between Arsenal and Liverpool on Wednesday night in Philadelphia might be the first opportunity for Arsenal fans to see their newest addition.

However, incomings typically come with the disadvantage of outgoings.

And Emile Smith Rowe, a Hale End alumnus and Arsenal fan favourite, will soon say goodbye.

Following a club record £34 million agreement done by the Cottagers to sign the midfielder, the 24-year-old is anticipated to join Fulham, a rival team in London.

Manager Arteta has excluded Smith Rowe from the lineup for Arsenal’s preseason matches against Manchester United and Bournemouth, citing background movement as the reason.