Riccardo Calafiori. picture alliance

Arsenal's defensive depth is secured after latest signing

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Jul 24, 2024 9:30 PM ET

Arsenal's defense during the 2023-24 season was suffocating, only conceding 29 goals and posting 18 clean sheets. Now the Gunners back line should be even tighter after manager Mikel Arteta's latest signing.

According to insider Fabrizio Romano, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori will be the newest addition in North London after agreeing to a €45 million ($48,777,750) transfer from Serie A side Bologna.

⚪️ Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal, here we go! Bologna and Arsenal have started to exchange documents right now.

All sorted also between Bologna and Basel.

Calafiori will sign five year deal (no option) for €4m/season net.

Medical in the US, deal done and story confirmed. pic.twitter.com/mmvdpOAyWd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2024

Calafiori must have impressed Arteta with his play in this summer's Euro Tournament, conceding zero goals in three matches played — except for one unfortunate own goal against eventual champions Spain.

The Italian center back joins an already stacked defense featuring the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber.

A recent injury to defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could clear the way for Calafiori to see more minutes as Saliba and Gabriel are the incumbent left/center backs at the Emirates.

But there's no doubt Calafiori offers security for Arteta in the defensive depth department, something that made Arsenal fans nervous towards the end of last season.

Calafiori will join the Gunners in America for their preseason tour which begins in Los Angeles on Wednesday night against Premier League foes Bournemouth.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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