Arsenal’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, is already turning heads after his debut against Lyon.
The young Italian defender, who joined from Bologna in a £42 million deal, showed why the Gunners were so eager to get him on board.
Calafiori made his first appearance in the 64th minute, initially stepping in at left-back. Then, he moved to center-back, linking up with Saliba.
It’s safe to say his versatility didn’t go unnoticed. Fans probably noticed how comfortable he looked in both positions, and that’s exactly what Arsenal needs—a player who can adapt quickly and effectively.
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Arteta and Saliba react
William Saliba couldn’t hold back his excitement about his new teammate.
After Arsenal’s 2-0 victory, Saliba shared his thoughts with Arsenal media, as quoted by Metro:
“I’m so happy for him. He’s a really good player, young as well. We’re so happy to have him with us, and I hope he’ll have a really good season.”
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta was also full of praise for the new signing.
“He brings a lot of versatility.” “He can play in two or three different positions. His press and physicality in duels are unbelievable.”
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So, what’s next for Calafiori?
Arsenal fans are buzzing with anticipation with the Premier League season just days away. The excitement surrounding his integration into the squad is palpable, and it’s easy to see why.
Calafiori’s ability to seamlessly switch between defensive roles adds much-needed depth to Arsenal’s backline—something they’ve been missing for a while. Arteta’s faith in him signals that he could become a pivotal figure this season.
