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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up about the Gunners' new signing, Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender moved to the Emirates from Bologna in a deal reportedly worth £42 million and has signed a five-year contract valid until 2029.
Speaking about the 22-year-old, Arteta said (via @centregoals on X):
"I fell in love with him a year ago, I saw something different, an aura, a charisma, a presence. Not only related to his skill..."
While speaking to the press after Arsenal's 2-0 win against Ligue 1 side Lyon in the Emirates Cup final, Arteta praised Riccardo Calafiori's versatility, claiming that the defender can improve the squad. The Spanish tactician said (via Mirror):
"He brings a lot of versatility because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender. When you see his press and physicality, how he goes into duels, it’s unbelievable. And then obviously he’s done a lot last year, he’s a player than can improve us."
Mikel Arteta also hailed the Arsenal fans for giving Calafiori a warm welcome to the Emirates. He added:
"I just love it when the fans react like that to one of your own. The way you feel it straight away, it’s love, you are respected, they are right behind you. And that’s an unbelievable platform for someone to join our club. That’s the platform for many players to join our club."
Riccardo Calafiori scored two goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances across competitions for Bologna last season. He helped the Italian club secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964 as they secured fifth place in Serie A.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya opens up about Riccardo Calafiori
Spanish goalkeeper David Raya expressed his admiration for Riccardo Calafiori. The 28-year-old shot-stopper, who joined the Gunners permanently this summer after a loan move from Brentford last year, told Sky Sports:
"First of all, he's a great guy. He's young, only 22, and he's hungry. In terms of football, he's a great player who has a great future. He can play left-back, he can play left centre-back. So, the first impression has been really, really good."
"He is very, very strong. He goes for the tackles. He just goes for it. He would put his head in a washing machine, if you know what I am saying. But the main thing is that he's a great guy as well as a great player," Raya added.
The Gunners have been relatively quiet in the transfer window this summer, with Raya and Calafiori being their only incomings so far. According to reports, they are in advanced negotiations to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, but there has been no breakthrough yet.
Arsenal will face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first fixture of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday, August 17, at the Emirates Stadium.
