Mikel Arteta has disclosed that new recruit Riccardo Calafiori expressed his sole desire was to join Arsenal, despite interest from Chelsea.
Arsenal announced Calafiori’s signing on Monday afternoon, with the Italian defender committing to a five-year contract in north London.
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Calafiori impressed for Bologna last season, aiding the Serie A club in securing a Champions League spot, and received commendation at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s early exit.
Arsenal invested over £40m to bring the 22-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, and Arteta’s new signing immediately joined the team on their pre-season tour in America.
While Arsenal were always seen as the frontrunners to secure Calafiori’s signature, there were reports of Chelsea’s interest earlier in the summer.
However, Arteta revealed that Calafiori was determined to join Arsenal, sharing that he had conversations with the Italian star to ensure the deal was progressing.
‘I spoke to him one or two times and I knew the other things [teams being interested],’ Arteta said.
‘I wasn’t really sure if we could do it or not, but he was adamant: “let me know when you’re ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal”.
‘Those were his words and when you have that feeling, someone with that willingness to join us and make us better and that determination, it’s something really powerful and as a club, we should be really proud of that.
‘I’m very happy. It took a while – it was a player that we have monitored for a year. We were really short in the backline last year in terms of numbers and we demanded so much from them.
‘William Saliba, for example, played in every minute of the Premier League and we believe we had to be more protected.
‘We identified him as a talent that can give us skill and qualities that are going to make us better. We are signing a player with a huge capacity to develop.’
Calafiori will bolster an Arsenal defense that conceded only 29 goals in the Premier League last season.
Despite their strong defensive record, Arsenal still missed out on the Premier League title as Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive championship.
Reacting to his move to Arsenal, Calafiori said: ‘I’m really happy to be here. I waited a lot for this.
‘I hope we are going to do something great this season.’
Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool in pre-season
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bournemouth in their first pre-season friendly and then defeated Manchester United 2-1 with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners continue their preparations for the 2024-25 season early Thursday morning with a friendly against Liverpool, now managed by Jurgen Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.
‘It’s another great test,’ Arteta said. ‘We’re in a different city, there’s jetlag and we have to adapt to that.
‘It’s a different pitch, different stadium and weather conditions. It’s all great, and we’re against a team with a new manager that I really like, especially the way he plays. It is going to be really tough and will be a good test as well.’
Asked what he likes about Slot, Arteta added: ‘I don’t know him personally but I watched him with his past team.
‘First of all, I like him a lot as a person and the way he comes across. I’ve heard very good things from players who are probably the best ones to ask.
‘I’m really impressed with the way he sets out his teams and the clarity and the quality that they show, so it’s going to be a really good game.’
