Defender Riccardo Calafiori signed a five-year contract and was introduced to his new teammates at Arsenal by coach Mikel Arteta.
Calafiori is Arsenal’s first major summer signing of 2024, costing $54 million from Bologna. The Italian star wears the number 33.
Calafiori joined his new club in Philadelphia (USA), where Arsenal were on a pre-season tour. Here, he was introduced to his teammates by Arteta at an internal meeting at the hotel.
Calafiori signed for Arsenal as Arteta watched. Photo: Arsenal FC
“Riccardo is a player with character and exceptional skills who will help Arsenal strengthen their fight for major titles,” said Arteta. “He has shown remarkable progress for Bologna and the Italian national team. We are looking forward to working with Riccardo.”
Calafiori was a mainstay for Bologna last season, helping the team qualify for the Champions League after 60 years. At Euro 2024, he started all three group stage matches and was considered Italy’s best player. In the round of 16, Calafiori was suspended as Italy lost 0-2 to Switzerland.
Calafiori is Arsenal’s first signing of the 2024 summer transfer window, excluding the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. The Gunners are expected to bring in more players. In addition, Arteta also created conditions for players to leave.
Most recently, Arsenal reached an agreement to sell midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for $35 million, plus $9 million in additional fees. This deal will make Smith Rowe the most expensive contract in Fulham’s history, surpassing the record of $32 million paid by Jean Michael Seri in 2018.
Smith Rowe is currently on tour with Arsenal in the US but will return to England soon to undergo a medical and sign for Fulham.
The 24-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of 10 and was promoted to the first team in 2018. He has played 115 times for the Gunners, scoring 18 goals and has been capped three times by England. Injuries and fierce competition from Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli saw Smith Rowe lose his starting place last season. He started just three Premier League games and decided to leave for more playing time.