Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has joined us from Serie A side Bologna on a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old defender was a member of the Azzurri squad at Euro 2024, after a season full of impressive performances at the heart of Bologna’s defence.
Riccardo started his career in the youth academy at Roma, where he spent 12 years developing from the youth set-up into the first-team. During his time there, he gained valuable experience on loan at fellow Italian side Genoa during the 2021/22 season.
In August 2022, the young defender, who has represented his national team at every age group, moved to Swiss side Basel, where he was a regular and made 26 league appearances that season. His high-quality performances resulted in a return to his homeland, with the imposing defender transferring to Bologna in August 2023.
Last season, Riccardo was a leading figure in their backline, emerging as one of the strongest and most consistent performers in Serie A. He played an integral role in helping ‘I Rossoblu’ to an impressive fifth position and Champions League qualification for the first time in 60 years. Riccardo’s dominant and physical performances were not only recognised with his Euros call-up, but by him also winning the Serie A Player of the Month for May 2024.
Sporting Director Edu said: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.
“We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player.
“Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season, and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer. Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”
Mikel Arteta added: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence.
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.
“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”
Riccardo will wear the number 33 shirt and has travelled to the US to join up with his new teammates in Philadelphia, as we continue our preparations ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Our next match is against Liverpool on Wednesday, July 31, and a limited amount of tickets are still available. You can also stream the game live on our channels by purchasing a Match Pass.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Riccardo to the club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
