Arsenal are set to confirm the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori imminently, and he will join Mikel Arteta’s squad on their pre-season tour.
Arsenal are currently on tour in the USA, and just beat Manchester United in a friendly in Los Angeles.
Most of the players who featured in International tournaments have now returned, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench against Man United after joining later from their exploits at Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
Only the finalists are yet to return, and given that Calafiori’s Italy side exited the tournament in the round of 16, he is now ready to join the squad and potentially feature in the next friendly against Liverpool.
Riccardo Calafiori to join Arsenal squad on USA tour
It has now been reported that Calafiori has completed his Arsenal medical in London, and will now fly to the USA this afternoon (28/07) to finalise his move and meet his new teammates.
This could mean he is thrown straight into training after his move is officially announced, and could be on the pitch with the Arsenal squad by Monday 29th July.
“Riccardo Calafiori will fly to the US this afternoon to join up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour. He was having medical in London yesterday,” Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth posted on X.
When could Riccardo Calafiori make his first Arsenal appearance?
Arsenal will face Liverpool on the final game of the USA tour on July 31st in Philadelphia, before flying back to London for two Emirates Cup fixtures.
Even if Calafiori does not feature in this game, joining the squad and getting to know his teammates, as well as starting training, will make his trip to the USA worthwhile.
If Calafiori is not selected against Liverpool, it seems likely that he will make his first appearance at the Emirates, with Arsenal set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Emirates Cup on August 7th.
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