(Football news) For Bologna last season, the 22-year-old was a key member of the team that helped them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.

He was called up to the Italian squad for Euro 2024 after putting up strong performances with I Rossoblu the previous season. He started all three of their group stage matches and performed admirably.

The Italian joins the Gunners as their second confirmed acquisition of the summer after the team exercised their option to purchase David Raya from Brentford.

After signing a five-year contract, Calafiori was flown out to participate in a pre-season tour of the United States with his new teammates.

Calafiori admits joining the Gunners is a dream come true

After linking up with Mikel Arteta and his new team in Philadelphia, the 22-year-old expressed his joy in becoming a Gunner and finally getting a taste of life in English football.

In his first interview as an Arsenal player, the Italian said: “It feels amazing. It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.

“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.”

His former club also took a moment to wish him well and thank him for his services during his time at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

“Thank you Richy, you were one of the key figures in this historic season. Good luck with your new adventure,” Bologna wrote on social media.

The club also released a concise statement on their website, which read: “Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has sold the performance rights of defender Riccardo Caladiori to Arsenal FC on a permanent basis.”

The versatile new signing then shared a heartfelt embrace with Arteta shortly after the briefing and was captured on camera asking, “Is this real?”

A smiling Arteta replied, “It’s real. It’s real. Finally, it’s real.”

What will Calafiori bring to Arsenal?

Calafiori began his career as a left-back with the ability to advance forward, but under Bologna boss Thiago Motta – who has since moved to Juventus – he mostly played as a central defender.

The Gunners were not the only side that were in the running for the 22-year-old, though, with Juventus and Chelsea believed to be among the other teams that were interested in him.

At Arsenal, he could compete with centre-back Gabriel or left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko for a spot, as the club views him as a potential option for both positions.

Arteta’s side are aiming to challenge for their first Premier League title in 21 years following second-place finishes in each of the last two seasons.

Additional transfers are anticipated before the window closes, with Arteta believed to be looking for a new central midfielder to partner Declan Rice in the Gunners’ engine room.

Also read: Manchester United’s star forward is close from joining PSG