{"id":1359448,"date":"2024-07-29T17:51:17","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T16:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1359448"},"modified":"2024-07-30T09:26:36","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T08:26:36","slug":"riccardo-calafiori-to-arsenal-how-he-compares-to-gunners-current-centre-backs-and-endorsements-from-italy-legends","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/riccardo-calafiori-to-arsenal-how-he-compares-to-gunners-current-centre-backs-and-endorsements-from-italy-legends\/","title":{"rendered":"How Riccardo Calafiori compares to Arsenal’s current centre-backs and endorsements from Italy legends"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arsenal have completed the signing of Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, the club announced on Monday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates, arriving from Bologna for a fee believed to be in the region of \u00a342m. Calafiori represents the Gunners’ second major transfer of the summer after making Spanish goalkeeper David Raya’s loan from Brentford permanent.<\/p>\n

“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.<\/p>\n

“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. 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.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”<\/p>\n

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    Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal: Incoming Gunners transfer given huge endorsement by Italy legends<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Former Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci recently gave a glowing appraisal of Calafiori ahead of his move to Arsenal.<\/p>\n

    Calafiori played a starring role as Bologna secured a shock fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, securing Champions League football in the process. The 22-year-old was first among his teammates last season for interceptions (50), aerial duels won (60), headed clearances (47), and possessions won in the defensive (107) and middle thirds (81). At the other end, he also provided a team-high five assists and scored twice.<\/span><\/p>\n