In Italy's lackluster performance at EURO 2024, Riccardo Calafiori emerged as a bright spot. The 22-year-old star's performance convinced fans that he would leave Bologna for a new team in the summer 2024 transfer window.
To secure Calafiori's signature, Arsenal had to outbid Juventus, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. The Azzurri's defensive star had the right to choose, and ultimately, the "Gunners" became his destination. Clearly, Arsenal's appeal after two successful seasons in the Premier League provided a significant advantage for Mikel Arteta in every player negotiation.
When Arsenal's scouting department reported the Riccardo Calafiori deal to Mikel Arteta, the Spanish strategist was determined to acquire this star. The Gunners even planned to sell a defensive player to make way for Calafiori's arrival at Emirates.
Almost immediately after Mikel Arteta's push, sporting director Edu and assistant Jason Ayto reached an agreement worth up to £42 million. After flying to London for a medical check-up on Saturday, Calafiori signed a 5-year contract with Arsenal and debuted with the new team in Philadelphia (USA) during the tour.
In terms of expertise, during his time at Bologna, Calafiori primarily played as a left-sided center-back. However, previously at the AS Roma academy and first team, this star played as a left-back. This versatility will be a key that opens up many options for Arteta when utilizing him.
Arsenal started the 2023-2024 season rather sluggishly in defense. Oleksandr Zinchenko had to wait until September 2023 to play after recovering from a muscle injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu was both injured and suspended during that period. The biggest blow was Jurrien Timber's case. He suffered an ACL injury right before the campaign's kickoff and was out for the season.
Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Arteta was always short of personnel on the left side of the defense. Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, and Jakub Kiwior took turns filling this role at different times during the season. Finding a left-back was not simple. The requirements Arteta set for this position were very specific.
When negotiating to buy Calafiori, Arsenal faced three very challenging issues. First was the price, as English teams often face higher demands. Then there was the 50% sale fee Bologna still owed Basel. Finally, Calafiori's performance at EURO 2024 attracted many suitors. Arteta believed that although Calafiori's price was not cheap, like the £50 million deal for Ben White in 2021, everything would prove positive in the long run.
Mikel Arteta has a good relationship with Thiago Motta - the new head coach of Juventus, who was at Bologna last season. Both were born in 1982 and debuted at Barcelona B. This is not the first time Arteta has bought a player under Motta's management. In January 2023, Kiwior arrived after a season coached by Motta at Spezia. The Calafiori deal to Emirates also had some influence from this relationship.
Last season, Calafiori played 30 matches for Bologna in Serie A, and that was a sufficiently good test for him to earn expectations. Bologna's Champions League ticket was a testament to the significant contribution of the 22-year-old star. Now, upon joining Arsenal, besides filling the gap on the left flank, Calafiori also boosts the "Gunners'" confidence with enough depth to compete with Manchester City.
