'I want to win trophies' - Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori has already told fans exactly what to expect
Arsenal finally have their man after two months of discussions
Arsenal have already been made aware of what their newest signing, Riccardo Calafiori, can bring to the club after the Italian 22-year-old was confirmed to have signed a five-year contract after joining for £42 million.
The defender - who can play both centre and left-back - enjoyed a standout campaign for Bologna in Serie A before impressing on the international stage for Italy at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old has now joined up with his new squad who are training in Philadelphia and has claimed he has signed with the Gunners in order to win trophies. Calafiori attended Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace in January - which the Gunners won 5-0 - and now, after two months of ongoing discussions, will take to the Emirates pitch himself.
Despite the ongoing talks, the Italian defender claimed he was already convinced to move to N7 and, following the confirmation of his signing, the 22-year-old has said: “I spoke for almost two months with the coach (Mikel Arteta) and Edu. They tried to convince me but I was already convinced to come here.
“For me it’s the best project that I can have to improve as a player. That’s it. I want to improve, to win trophies. It’s the best project for me because the team is young, the team is strong, it’s really good.
Calafiori played centre-back for Bologna since joining the club in 2023. However, he had previously played the left-back role for Basel. Tactically he is known for being able to play in a back three or back four - which Arsenal utilised in the 2023/24 campaign - and has received praise for his anticipation, aggression and physicality when putting pressure on his opponents.
The Italian media have also commented on the former Roma star’s shooting prowess from a distance while also noting his ball-carrying ability. At 6ft 2in, Calafiori is exceptionally proficient in aerial duels and in 2021, he was named as one of UEFA’s ‘50 for the future’.
When asked what he would be bringing to the Gunners’ squad that could help them win the Premier League, Calafiori said: “Maybe my mentality. I like to win. Starting with training, I want to give this to the team. Also I’m confident with the ball and I like to play. So this is the perfect choice.”
Calafiori’s new head coach Mikel Arteta has also added his own praise on his latest signing claiming the rising star was ‘adamant’ to move to Arsenal: “He was adamant, ‘Let me know when you’re ready, my bags are packed and I just want to join Arsenal’, those were his words.
“When you have someone with that willingness and that passion to join and make us better and that determination, it’s really powerful. As a club we should be really proud of that.”
Calafiori’s first match as a Gunner could come against Liverpool this Thursday as the two Premier League clubs face each other in a pre-match friendly. The first Premier League clash will then take place at the Emirates against Wolves on Saturday 17 August.