Premier League club Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a deal worth £42 million.

22-year-old Calafiori, who can play at centre-back or left-back, signed a five-year contract with Arsenal until 2029 and he further strengthens a defensive unit that conceded only 29 goals and kept 18 clean sheets in the Premier League last season.

Another Premier League club, as well as Juventus and Real Madrid, tried to sign the Italy international this month.

There were bids from other clubs in the last two weeks, but Calafiori only wanted a move to Arsenal and gave his word he would join the Gunners.

Announcing the player’s signing via a statement on Monday, Arsenal noted: “Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has joined us from Serie A side Bologna on a long-term contract.

“The 22-year-old defender was a member of the Azzurri squad at Euro 2024, after a season full of impressive performances at the heart of Bologna’s defence.”

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Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo Calafiori to the family.

“We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player.

“Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season, and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer. Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”

“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added.

On his part, Calafiori said: “I spoke for almost two months with the coach and with Edu. They tried to convince me, but I was already really convinced to come here. For me, it is the best project I can have as a player.

“There were other clubs, but I don’t care anymore, I’m here and I want to improve to win trophies. the team is young and strong and I like this.

“Now that I’m here, I know I have to go day-by-day, improving with the training squad. When I’m really fit, I’m excited to help the team, I hope.

“I have this good feeling. I cannot explain. But for sure, you’ll see on the pitch that it was the right choice.”

The Star