Arsenal sign Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants players who are eager to play for his team, someone like Riccardo Calafiori who was “ready to pack his bags” and join the club as soon as there were talks on a potential transfer.

On July 29, the Gunners signed the Italy defender – who can play as a centre-back or left-back – from Bologna on what the English Premier League club said was a “long-term contract”.

No fee was disclosed, but British media reports said Calafiori had arrived at the Emirates Stadium on a five-year deal worth £42 million (S$72.6 million) after representing Italy at Euro 2024.

“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal,” said Arteta in a statement.

“He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence. 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... We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad and supporting him in the years to come.”

When asked what impressed him most about the player, the manager said that it was the determination to join his project despite interest from other clubs.

“It was great when I spoke to him one or two times and that was when I didn’t know if we could do it (the transfer) or not,” Arteta added on the BBC.

“He was adamant – ‘Let me know when you are ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal’. Those were his words. That feeling with a willingness and determination to make us better. We should be really proud of that.”

Calafiori becomes Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer transfer window after David Raya’s loan move from London rivals Brentford was made permanent.

The Italian excelled at Bologna under Thiago Motta last season, playing a pivotal role in their historic campaign where they finished fifth in Serie A and qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 1964.

He made 30 Serie A appearances and scored two goals last season.

The 22-year-old made his international debut in June and played in three of the four matches at the European Championship. He is the second-youngest Italian to play in the Euro, behind Paolo Maldini.

“I am here and need to keep improving day by day in training. I was really convinced to come here. For me, it is the best project that I could have to improve as a player,” Calafiori said.

“There were other clubs, but I don’t care any more. I am here and I want to win trophies.

“This is the best project because the team is young and can win trophies. My mentality is to win. I can play in different positions, I don’t care where I play but I just want to play.”

The Gunners conceded only 29 goals and kept 18 clean sheets in the Premier League last campaign and, with Calafiori in their ranks now, they will be looking to go one better in the 2024-25 season after finishing runners-up to league champions Manchester City by just two points last term.

Arteta’s men begin their Premier League campaign on Aug 17 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. AFP, REUTERS