Riccardo Calafiori made a huge step up when he left Bologna for Arsenal in the summer.
The Italy international had a breakthrough season in the Serie A in 2023/24. He was always viewed as a solid player, but he took his game to a whole new level in his final campaign there.
A number of clubs wanted to sign Calafiori, but he only wanted Arsenal. After weeks of negotiations, Edu got it done and the defender has become a fan favourite at the Emirates.
Calafiori has now had his say about one of his young Arsenal teammates.
Riccardo Calafiori delivers honest verdict on Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri has been the talk of the town since his stunning cameo against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The 17-year-old has been promoted to the Arsenal first-team this season, and he has been given several opportunities off the bench in the English top flight.
Against Forest on Saturday, Nwaneri was brought on for the final few minutes of the game. He replaced Martin Odegaard and immediately impressed.
After going close to scoring with one of his first actions on the pitch, the Hale End graduate found the net in the 86th minute to seal a 3-0 win for his side.
Nwaneri became the second-youngest-ever goalscorer for Arsenal in the Premier League, which is a truly remarkable achievement. This is definitely the first of many.
Most Arsenal players have known Nwaneri for a while now as he has been training with the first team for over a couple of years.
Calafiori, who only joined in the summer, wasn’t really familiar with the youngster, but it’s safe to say now that Nwaneri has blown him away.
The Italian told the Evening Standard: “I’m really happy for him. He really deserved it. For me, he is a pure talent and for sure you will see more from him on the pitch.
“Yes [senior players are helping him settle], but they [young players] don’t even need it because they feel a part of us from the first day. I felt the same when I came here. This is our secret.”
When asked if he had ever seen a 17-year-old as good as Nwaneri, Calafiori said: “No, I don’t think so. I’ve never seen it. He can be really good.”
READ MORE: Emmanuel Petit says Ethan Nwaneri has sent a ‘bad message’ to one Arsenal star after Forest win
What Arsenal fans were singing about Ethan Nwaneri after his goal vs Forest
Arsenal fans were all delighted to see Nwaneri come on against Nottingham Forest and they were over the moon after he found the net.
The youngster is a fan favourite at the club, and after weeks of pleading with Arteta to start him, the supporters were thrilled to see him shine.
After he scored his goal, the home fans at the Emirates Stadium all began to sing: “Ethan Nwaneri, he’s one of our own.”
We’re sure that would’ve felt amazing for the youngster. We can’t wait to see more of him in the coming weeks and months.
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