Arsenal, Bologna, and Riccardo Calafiori’s agent are finalizing documents for the transfer. The medical tests are scheduled, and the deal is essentially confirmed. Calafiori is set to join Arsenal, with all formal steps nearing completion.
- Medical tests are scheduled, and the deal is essentially confirmed.
- Calafiori is set to join Arsenal, with all formal steps nearing completion.
Arsenal’s New Defensive Talent: Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal fans have reason to celebrate as the club is on the brink of securing the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The imminent move has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano’s tweet:
🔴⚪️ Arsenal, Bologna, Calafiori’s agent are working to get documents approved today and then schedule medical tests.
Calafiori will join #AFC, no doubts since Saturday; as deal has been agreed.
Formal steps are only left but all being resolved, then… here we go. ⤵️🇮🇹
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 08, 2023
Calafiori, a 22-year-old Italian defender, has shown great promise in Serie A and European competitions. Standing at 1.88 meters, he brings both height and skill to Arsenal’s backline, primarily playing as a center-back. The young talent’s versatility allows him to also operate as a left-back or left midfielder, providing Mikel Arteta with multiple defensive options.
Riccardo Calafiori: Career and Statistics
Born in Rome, Italy, on May 19, 2002, Calafiori began his professional career with Roma before moving to FC Basel in 2022 and then to Bologna in 2023. His performances have not gone unnoticed, making him a target for top European clubs. Here’s a look at his career statistics:
- Serie A: 43 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist
- Super League: 26 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
- Primavera 1: 14 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
- Conference League: 11 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
- Europa League: 5 appearances
- Coppa Primavera: 3 appearances
- Swiss Cup: 3 appearances, 1 goal
- Italy Cup: 3 appearances
- Under 17 – Finals: 2 appearances
- Supercoppa U17: 1 appearance
- UEFA Youth League: 1 appearance
- UECL Qualifiers: 1 appearance
Transfer Details and Financials
Calafiori’s transfer journey has seen him move from Roma to FC Basel for €5 million and then to Bologna for €8 million. The upcoming transfer to Arsenal is reported to be around €20 million. This significant investment underscores Arsenal’s commitment to strengthening their defensive lineup with young, talented players.
- From Roma to FC Basel: €5 million
- From FC Basel to Bologna: €8 million
- Bologna to Arsenal: Reported fee around €20 million
National Team Contributions
Calafiori has also made his mark on the international stage, representing Italy across various youth levels and earning caps with the senior national team:
- Italy National Team: 5 caps
- Italy U21: 7 caps
- Italy U20: 2 caps
- Italy U19: 2 caps
- Italy U17: 3 caps, 1 goal
- Italy U16: 6 caps, 1 goal
- Italy U15: 4 caps
The Road Ahead
Calafiori’s move to Arsenal marks a significant step in his career, offering him the platform to showcase his talent in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Arsenal’s strategy to bolster their squad with young, promising players like Calafiori and their recent acquisition of a goalkeeping sensation from Ajax indicates a focused approach to building a formidable team for the future.
For more insights into Arsenal’s transfer activities, refer to the following articles:
- Arsenal and Bologna in Transfer Talks
- Arsenal Secures Rising Goalkeeping Sensation from Ajax
- Manchester United’s €42.5 Million Signing
This move is a testament to Arsenal’s vision and strategic planning, ensuring they remain competitive at the highest levels of football.