Arsenal have finally completed the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian defender was a wanted man in this summer’s transfer window. He had an incredible season with Bologna in 2023/24, and he carried that form to the Euros as well.
Arsenal were made to work hard to complete the deal, and after weeks of negotiations, the Gunners finally got it done.
Calafiori was announced as a new Arsenal player on Monday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now revealed what Calafiori privately told him long before the deal was anywhere close to being completed.
What Riccardo Calafiori told Mikel Arteta before Arsenal transfer
Calafiori was a wanted man this summer.
The Italy international’s fabulous domestic campaign followed by an equally impressive Euro 2024 run put him on the radar of several clubs.
The likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus were all keen to sign Calafiori this summer, and Arsenal fans were worried that they may not be able to get him.
Arteta was asked about this, and the Spaniard revealed that he too was unsure at one point if his side could get this deal over the line because of all the competition.
However, Arteta’s fears were eased after Calafiori picked up the phone and adamantly told the Arsenal boss that the Emirates Stadium is his new home.
Calafiori had no interest in joining any other club this summer.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Liverpool game, Arteta said, as per Arsenal.com: “I spoke to him one or two times and I knew the other things [teams being interested].
“I wasn’t really sure if we could do it or not, but he was adamant: ‘Let me know when you’re ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal’.
“Those were his words and when you have that feeling, someone with that willingness to join us and make us better and that determination, it’s something really powerful and as a club, we should be really proud of that.”
READ MORE: Riccardo Calafiori delivers message to Arsenal teammates and takes shirt number
Calafiori has been compared to one of the best defenders of all time
Calafiori has come to Arsenal with a lot of hype.
The Italy international’s quality on the ball, ability to play in multiple positions, and experience despite still only being 22 made him a very attractive option for several clubs across Europe.
Arsenal fans are beyond excited to see how Calafiori will fare, while several pundits have been raving about this addition too.
Tony Cascarino went as far as comparing Calafiori to Sergio Ramos, who is among the most accomplished centre-halves of this generation.
Calafiori could make his debut against Liverpool on Wednesday night, and we can’t wait to see how he will get on in this Arsenal side.
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