Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal: Incoming Gunners transfer given huge endorsement by Italy legend

Former Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has given a glowing appraisal of centre-back Riccardo Calafiori ahead of his imminent move to Arsenal.

Calafiori played a starring role as Bologna secured a shock fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, securing Champions League football in the process. The 22-year-old was first among his teammates last season for interceptions (50), aerial duels won (60), headed clearances (47), and possessions won in the defensive (107) and middle thirds (81). At the other end, he also provided a team-high five assists and scored twice.

That was then followed up by an eye-catching showing at Euro 2024, with Calafiori walking away as one of the few Italian players able to hold their heads high.

It’s little surprise, then, that Arsenal have pulled out all the stops to bring Calafiori to the Emirates, with some complications finally overcome and the transfer on the verge of being made official.

Even more impressive is the fact Arsenal were able to stave off competition from Real Madrid and Juventus in order to land their man. Perhaps the biggest endorsement Calafiori can receive is Bonucci’s disappointment at him not signing for Juventus, while being tipped to lead the national team for over a decade to come.

“Calafiori? I’m sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus,” Bonucci — who played over 500 times for Juventus across two spells, winning eight Serie A titles and playing in two Champions League finals — told Sky Sport Italia, adding: “He’s a defender who’s a little different to what we’re used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in.

“We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years.”

Incredibly, Calafiori entered Euro 2024 with just two senior international caps to his name, while the first group match against Albania was his competitive debut for Italy. The youngster looked anything but overawed by the occasion, completing 99 of his 106 attempted passes and creating one chance, while winning all three of his aerial duels and registering three interceptions and five recoveries.

That performance earned rave reviews from another two legends of Italian football, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Capello.

“Calafiori was never scared, it looked like he played 70 games for Italy,” 2006 World Cup winner Del Piero said, with former England boss Capello adding: “I didn’t think someone making his debut could show this much personality. No fear.”

Calafiori joins a talented Arsenal centre-back pool boasting William Saliba, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber. However, he’s riding the crest of a wave right now and has already proven at multiple points in his career that he won’t bend to pressure or the bright lights.