What Mikel Arteta Said After Arsenal Signed Riccardo Calafiori... Becoming Gunners 2nd Summer Signing

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his excitement regarding the club's newest signing, Riccardo Calafiori. Arteta extended a warm welcome to Calafiori and his family, emphasizing the significant impact the young defender is expected to have on the team's defensive capabilities.

"We welcome Riccardo Calafiori and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defense," Arteta stated. "Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies."

Arteta also commended Calafiori's recent progress and performances with Bologna and the Italian national team. "He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive," Arteta added.

Looking forward, Arteta highlighted the team's eagerness to work with Calafiori and support his development. "We're looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come."

Calafiori's arrival promises to enhance Arsenal's defense and offer a new dynamic on the pitch. With a transfer fee reported to be around £40-42 million and a five-year contract in place, Calafiori, who can play both centre-back and left-back, joins Arsenal from Bologna. His experience includes representing Italy at Euro 2024 and making 33 appearances for Bologna last season.