Riccardo Calafiori Heads to London for £42M Arsenal Transfer

Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is on his way to London to finalize his £42 million ($54m) transfer from Bologna to Arsenal.

Calafiori will undergo medical tests before signing his contract, marking him as Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.

Key Details

Confirmed Move: Calafiori joins Arsena l after an impressive season with Bologna and a strong showing at the European Championship with Italy.

Position Versatility: Capable of playing both left-back and centre-half, Calafiori provides versatile defensive options for Arsenal.

Transfer Competition: Arsenal secured Calafiori despite interest from Juventus and Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta identified Calafiori as a crucial target to strengthen Arsenal’s defense and boost their Premier League ambitions. The defender’s contribution was instrumental in Bologna’s first Champions League qualification in 60 years. Initially expected to reunite with Thiago Motta at Juventus, Calafiori ultimately chose to join the Gunners.

Calafiori, originally a left-back, may address Arsenal’s weaknesses in that position from last season. However, his versatility means he could also partner with William Saliba in central defense when Gabriel Magalhaes is unavailable.

Calafiori will not be available for Arsenal’s upcoming match against Manchester United on Saturday. The game will provide a preview of the season ahead as key players return from international duty. Despite both teams not being at full strength, Arteta and Erik ten Hag are expected to take the match seriously.

🚨🔴⚪️ Riccardo Calafiori, on his way to London with his agents — all set for medical tests with Arsenal! Here Calafiori with Chairman & founder of WSA Agency Alessandro Lucci and CEO Alessio Ceccarelli. 🇬🇧🛫 pic.twitter.com/aVDZJ4TYXi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2024