He was the stand-out central defender of the recent Euros and by far and away Italy’s best player. In Serie A, he spearheaded Thiago Motta’s Bologna. He has proven himself to be quick, able to defend far from his goal and to anticipate the opposing striker’s every move, with the speed to drop to the wing and defend one-on-one situations in the side corridor. A right-footed centre-back who plays on the left of defence with good ball distribution, Calafiori has chosen to join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. 

PSG wanted him and are still on the hunt for a central defender, but the player was won over by the Gunners determination and the confidence of Mikel Arteta. Arsenal want to take the Premier League by storm and to dethrone City and Liverpool. To do so, they are relying on a young squad, in which only one or two players – Jorginho and Thomas Partey – are over the age of 30. 

The transfer fee – €45 million plus variables and a percentage of any future sale – is the highest in Bologna’s history. This is only to be expected after Bologna’s stellar season and the outstanding performances of some of their players. In a world of football where modern, quick and duel-winning centre-backs are in high demand, Riccardo Calafiori is one to watch. One of the good ones. A Gunner until 2029. The new spearhead of Arteta’s Arsenal. 

The Englishman behind, with Arda Güler as plan B and some options up front – Rodrygo, Brahim and Endrick – who would probably make the starting eleven of any team in the world. With their devastating and seemingly unstoppable attack, the Spanish giants are equipped to intimidate any team.