Highly-rated Riccardo Calafiori completes move to Arsenal
29th July 2024
The Italian defender joins Arsenal from Italian outfit Bologna.
- 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.
- He played an integral role in helping Bologna to an impressive fifth position and Champions League qualification for the first time in 60 years.
- Last season, Riccardo was a leading figure in their backline, emerging as one of the strongest and most consistent performers in Serie A.
Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has joined English
Premier League giants Arsenal 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.
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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.
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Riccardo’s dominant and physical performances were not only recognized
with his Euros call-up, but by him also winning the Serie A Player of the Month
for May 2024.
Arsenal 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.”
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