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Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has lavished praise on new signing Riccard Calafiori. The Englishman has backed the defender to be a future star for the Gunners, drawing comparisons to William Saliba.
The Gunners secured Calafiori's services from Bologna for a reported £42 million fee, making it their second signing of the summer. David Raya, who played a crucial role in Mikel Arteta's side on loan from Brentford last season, signed a permanent deal for £27 million this summer.
Parlour believes Calafiori is an excellent addition to the squad and sees great potential for the 22-year-old Italy international. He told The Mirror:
"I think he's a good acquisition. 22 years old, [and] he looks like he's really hungry to get better. He's gonna be under a good coach now, we've seen a lot of players improve under Mikel Arteta, so now he's just gotta get his head down.
"He's probably absolutely buzzing to be in the Arsenal team and part of the squad to go and try win the Premier League. I like his attitude, he's very confident from the quotes I've seen. Had an Arsenal shirt on when he was a young boy as well, I've seen. So it looks like he really wants to work hard and do well for the club."
He added:
"It's all about performances, of course. It's a good age to get him. An international at 22 years old, and he can only get better. Bologna obviously got good money for him, they're happy as well, but to me, that's a decent signing."
"Hopefully Arteta can improve him and he can be a star for the future - like [William] Saliba's done in an Arsenal shirt."
Calafiori registered 37 appearances across competitions for Bologna last season, contributing two goals and five assists.
"He said: 'come, come, come!" - Riccardo Calafiori reveals how Arsenal star convinced him to join the club
Riccardo Calafiori has revealed the role Italy teammate Jorginho played in his move to the Emirates this summer. He said that the Arsenal midfielder forced him to join the club despite the fact that he was already convinced.
Calafiori displayed great form last term and played a key role in Bologna securing UEFA Champions League football for the first time in six decades. The defender then earned an appearance at his first major international tournament with Italy.
Calafiori impressed with his performances at the 2024 European Championships with Italy and has now joined Arsenal. However, before his move, Jorginho had urged him to join the Gunners at the Euros.
Calafiori said:
"I just met [Jorginho] one month ago, but I can see that he's a really good guy. I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: 'come, come, come! You will enjoy being here, the team is amazing and the staff, everything is good.' You can see that already from the first few minutes here."
Calafiori could make his debut for the club in their pre-season friendly against Liverpool on August 31.
