Riccardo Calafiori has joined Arsenal football club from Bologna on a permanent deal for £42 million.
The Italian defender, who was exceptional in Euro 2024 for the Italy national team, is set to have medicals with Arsenal.
The Gunners intended that the deal should be finalized before the end of the USA preseason tour to allow the player join his new teammates for the preseason.
In this article, the major focus is on everything you need to know about Riccardo Calafiori, who is Arsenal’s first signing of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Riccardo Calafiori girlfriend
Riccardo Calafiori is currently in a relationship with Benedetta Boeme. Recently, there were rumours that both individuals went their separate ways after a Benedetta fake account on TikTok posted a breakup message.
Calafiori’s girlfriend took to her Instagram story to make a comment about the rumors surrounding the separation from her boyfriend. She said, “I find myself forced to write that I don’t have a TikTok account.”
“Someone is posing as me and is writing things that are not true. This (Instagram) is my only social profile. I have never talked about anything and never will.”
Even though she denied posting any break-up messages on TikTok, Benedetta is currently not following the new Arsenal defender on Instagram.
Riccardo Calafiori Stats
The defender has made 129 appearances, scoring nine goals and creating 13 assists in all club competitions. He had received 25 yellow cards and two red cards so far in his career.
Out of the nine goals scored, one was for Basel, two for Bologna, one for AS Roma, and five for Roma U19.
He made his international debut for the Italian national team on June 4, 2024. Calafiori has failed to score a goal in five appearances for the country.
Riccardo Calafiori Transfer
The Italian defender is an academy product of AS Roma. He joined Genoa on loan from AS Roma on January 14, 2022.
Upon the completion of the loan contract with Genoa, the defender moved to Swiss giant Basel on a permanent deal from AS Roma on August 30, 2022.
He moved back to Serie A to join Bologna on August 31, 2023. Calafiori helped Bologna secure Champions League football for the first time since 1964–65 season.
Riccardo Calafiori Position
The Italian is capable of playing as a centre back and also as a left back. He is likely to be accommodated more on the left side of the pitch at Arsenal because of the consistency of William Saliba and Gabriel.
Riccardo Calafiori Style of Play
Calafiori is extremely comfortable when his team plays back 3 or back 4. He has a unique skill in terms of possession. His defensive style can be compared to that of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.
Calafiori’s huge physique makes it possible for him to stop any attack before it happens. Also, his long legs helped him lock down threats from opponents.
Last season, Calafiori had 72% success in aerial duels with attackers, coupled with the fact that he can be trusted with the ball when the team is under pressure.
The Italian is capable of carrying the ball to the midfield from the back with ease, coupled with the fact that he can turn away from danger easily and break defensive lines with his excellent passes.
Riccardo Calafiori Arsenal
The defender has moved to the Premier League to play for Arsenal football club. It is expected to be an exciting move for the Italian defender, who is looking forward to the new challenge.
Riccardo Calafiori Market Value
The centre back has a market value of €45 million. According to the market value, Calafiori is the 120th most expensive player in the world.
There was a surge in the Calafiori market value from €10 million to €45 million because of his consistency over the years.
Riccardo Calafiori Height
He is a 6-foot-2-inch tall defender. Arsenal fans should expect a defender capable of winning aerial balls in a threatening position.
Riccardo Calafiori Wife
The defender is not married yet, but he is currently in a relationship with Benedetta Boeme. However, he may decide to consider getting married to his partner in the future. Calafiori is more focused on succeeding on the pitch and winning silverware.
Riccardo Calafiori Age
The centre back was born on May 19, 2002, in the city of Rome, Italy. Calafiori is currently 22 years old.
Riccardo Calafiori FIFA 24
Calafiori has an overall FIFA rating of 76. In terms of crossing the ball, he is rated 74, but his finishing ability is rated 28. The defender has good heading accuracy, which is around 74, and his shot pass is rated at 75.
In terms of defensive awareness, he is rated 75, his stand tackle rating is around 79, and his slide tackle is rated 76.
