Arsenal FC sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

Arsenal FC announced on their official website they have completed the signing of 22-year-old Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A side Bologna on a long-term contract.

Calafiori, who was part of Italy’s squad for Euro 2024 over the summer, has become the second signing of the transfer window for the Gunners’ first-team squad, following David Raya.

Speaking in his first interview as an Arsenal player, Calafiori said:

“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.”

Riccardo Calafiori signs with Arsenal and is ready to get to work

Born on 19th May 2002 in Rome, Italy, Calafiori rose through the youth ranks at AS Roma, and signed his first professional contract with the club in June, 2018. He spent the first half of 2022 on loan at Genoa before completing a permanent transfer to Swiss side FC Basel in late August.

Manager Mikel Arteta welcomed Calafiori to the Emirates, saying:

“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.”

In August 2023, after just one season in Switzerland, Calafiori returned to the Serie A, signing for Bologna. He quickly established himself as a key cog in Thiago Motta’s team, making 30 league appearances, and helping his club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Sporting Director Edu commented:

“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.”

Calafiori has represented Italy at all age groups, from Under-15s to Under-21s, and made his senior international debut in 2024 on 4th June against Turkey. He played all three matches at Euro 2024, and his absence through suspension was one major reason Italy were knocked out by Switzerland in the Round of 16.

In total, Calafiori has made 92 senior appearances at club level and another five for Italy. He will wear the number 33 shirt at Arsenal through the coming season, and help make the best defense in the Premier League even stronger by playing alongside William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber.