Riccardo Calafiori’s potential first Arsenal request set to be granted as transfer nears completion

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Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in the coming days now that a deal has been agreed.

Calafiori looks set to finalise his move in time to join Arsenal on their pre-season tour in the USA, and the 22-year-old appears to be a fine addition after impressing at Euro 2024 with Italy.

Arsenal’s previous signings from Serie A in recent years have not gone well, but Calafiori will hope for a strong start to the season as he aims to beat the likes of Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu to a starting spot at left-back.

Calafiori’s time at Arsenal looks set to get off to a perfect start, as he will likely be granted what could be his first request once his contract is signed and his move announced.

Riccardo Calafiori’s favourite squad number is currently vacant at Arsenal

Calafiori will have to select a squad number once his move from Bologna is confirmed, and the defender will be able to pick his first choice.

In the last three seasons, both at Basel and Bologna, Calafiori has worn the number 33 shirt. This is an option which is currently vacant, and therefore he will be able to select it without any qualms.

Calafiori has also worn the numbers 61 and 13 in the past, which are both vacant, but it is clear that 33 is his preferred choice based upon the last two seasons.

He has worn the number three at youth level, and given that he will likely play at left-back, this is an option he may have considered, but for now, this still belongs to Kieran Tierney.

When have Arsenal players changed squad numbers?

Some players are clearly enamoured by the idea of playing with their preferred numbers. When Granit Xhaka joined, he chose the number 16, before switching to 29 and eventually his preferred 34, once Francis Coquelin had departed.

Alexis Sanchez was able to move from 17 to seven, whilst Bukayo Saka was handed this same number after breaking through with 87, then 77 on his back.

Martin Odegaard began his Arsenal career with the number 11 on his back, before taking eight after Dani Ceballos departed. If Emile Smith Rowe leaves this summer, he could move to the number 10 shirt, previously worn by Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Mesut Ozil.