Mikel Arteta has made plenty of signings since he joined Arsenal.
The Spaniard has completed six years as the Gunners’ boss, and he has done a magnificent job on and off the pitch.
However, despite his proven record in transfers, there are always people who doubt him, and that was the case about 18 months ago as well.
The fee Arsenal paid to sign Riccardo Calafiori was viewed as too much.
Where do you see Riccardo Calafiori’s best position at Arsenal long-term?
Left-back or central defence?
David Ornstein was told that Arsenal overpaid for Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal signed Calafiori from Bologna in the summer of 2024.
The Italy international was a wanted man, with clubs in England and abroad really keen to sign him after his brilliant performances at the Euros.
After a lot of negotiations, Arsenal signed Calafiori for an initial £34 million with an additional £8 million agreed as potential add-ons.
That took the deal to £42 million, which was what Bologna wanted for their star defender from the start of the negotiations.
When reports about the Serie A side’s valuation emerged, David Ornstein revealed that people in the industry felt it was a lot.
He said in July 2024, as per TBR Football: “I think they’re asking for around €50 million (£42m), which many people within the game feel is significantly above his market value.
“They are suggesting to me that has been inflated by the fact he did ok for Italy at the Euros, and there’s another complication that Basel are due maybe 40 or 50 per cent of any future transfer.”
Who is Arsenal’s best bargain signing in defence?
Some big bargains here!
Riccardo Calafiori is proving to be a bargain for Arsenal
Calafiori had a great final season at Bologna, and he starred for Italy at the Euros as well.
If he hadn’t done well for club and country in that 12-month period, his valuation would’ve been a lot less, but Arsenal were happy to pay the initial £34 million to get him.
Calafiori had a difficult first season at Arsenal due to injuries, but he has been the best left-back in the Premier League since the start of this campaign.
£34 million for a player like him is absolutely incredible value, and we’re sure everyone at the club views him as a big bargain now.
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