Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called the Gunners’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, a great signing and said that he is looking forward to working with him in the new season.

Arsenal confirmed the signing of the Italian defender on Monday after several weeks of negotiations. The defender joined the Gunners in the United States, where they are having their pre-season.

The deal includes £42m paid to Bologna and a five-year deal for the 22-year-old defender, who started three games in the group stage for Italy at Euro 2024. The Italian defender is already in Philadelphia with the team and says he’s happy to be with his new teammates while hoping to do something great in the 2024/2025 season.

Calafiori helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League after scoring two goals and five assists in 30 matches as Bologna made fifth position on the table. However, he only has five caps for the Italian national team and he made all five in the summer as Italy finished the Euros with a Round of 16 exit.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already looking forward to the player who played 30 matches for Bologna in the Serie A last season.

“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, and his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.” Arteta said.

Arsenal played Manchester United over the weekend in a friendly in a 2-1 win although the Red Devils won on penalties which was part of the rules. Arsenal will face Liverpool in another friendly on Thursday before a clash with Bayern Leverkusen on August 7, four days before an Emirates Cup clash with Lyon. The Gunners begin their new Premier League season on August 17 against Wolves.