The 22-year-old versatile defender has completed a move from Bologna to Arsenal, with the total fee potentially reaching £42 million through add-ons. Calafiori quickly settled in with his new teammates after Mikel Arteta introduced him to the squad during a team meeting in Philadelphia, where Arsenal is currently on their pre-season tour.
When asked about the most notable aspect of Calafiori, Arteta shared, “It was impressive when I spoke to him a couple of times, especially when we were uncertain about the transfer. He was determined—he said, ‘Let me know when you’re ready; my bags are packed, and I just want to join Arsenal.’ His enthusiasm and drive to improve the team are commendable. We should be proud of his commitment.”
Although Calafiori is eager to make an impact, he is unlikely to feature prominently in Arsenal’s friendly against Liverpool. Arteta indicated that he might only play “a few minutes” to help him acclimate gradually.
On Calafiori’s potential debut, Arteta commented, “I’m not sure yet. He had a long flight and medical tests recently. The past 48 hours have been quite hectic for him. He hasn’t had much time with the team. We’ll see how he feels. If he’s ready, he might get a few minutes, but we won’t rush him if he’s not fully prepared.”
Calafiori disclosed that he had been negotiating with Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director Edu for nearly two months before finalizing his transfer from Bologna. “I spoke with the coach and Edu for almost two months. The negotiations were challenging, but I was convinced this was the right move,” Calafiori said.
“I see Arsenal as the best opportunity for my development. While there were other clubs interested, I’m focused on winning trophies here. Arsenal’s young team has the potential for success, and my mindset is to contribute wherever I can. I watched Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in January, and I’m eager to help the team once I’m fully fit.”
After a break following Euro 2024, Calafiori is ready to dive back into training and align with Arsenal’s pre-season schedule. The team has one more U.S. friendly against Liverpool, followed by matches at the Emirates Stadium against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon next month. Arteta noted that Calafiori’s integration will be gradual, and if he doesn’t feature against Liverpool, he might make his debut in front of Arsenal’s home fans on August 7.
