OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED: All paperwork signed, medicals done, Arsenal’s latest £65M signing heads to the USA to join the team for pre-season.

Riccardo Calafiori is set to join Arsenal from Bologna, with a medical examination scheduled as the final step before the transfer is completed, according to a report. This summer, Arsenal has only officially announced the permanent signing of David Raya. However, they have been pursuing Italy international Calafiori for several months and are now on the verge of finalizing the deal.

The Athletic reports that all aspects of the transfer, including the fee and personal terms, have been agreed upon between Arsenal and Bologna. Calafiori is expected to join Mikel Arteta’s pre-season squad for their tour of the United States.

For further insights into Calafiori, fans can watch 90min’s YouTube channel, where Harry Symeou discusses the player with Italian football journalist Alessandro Eremiti.

Bologna, who surprised many by qualifying for the Champions League under former manager Thiago Motta, excluded Calafiori from their pre-season training camp, anticipating his move to Arsenal.

The Italian club has also seen Joshua Zirkzee depart to join Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, while Motta has taken over at Juventus.

Calafiori’s addition is expected to enhance an already strong Arsenal defense, which was the best-performing in the Premier League last season.

The backline featured regulars like Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu also playing roles, particularly at left-back.

At 22, Calafiori primarily played as a center-back during the 2023/24 season and was a key player in Italy’s back three during Euro 2024. He impressed during the group stage but missed the last-16 match against Switzerland due to suspension.

Calafiori’s timely arrival for the pre-season is particularly beneficial for Arteta, as Tomiyasu suffered an injury just before the team’s departure for their American tour. Arsenal’s squad is currently based in Los Angeles, preparing for their first friendly match of the summer against Bournemouth.

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