JULY 29: RICCARDO CALAFIORI TRANSFERS FROM BOLOGNA TO ARSENAL FOR £42M

 

For Bologna: Another setback in a summer marked by significant losses. Bologna made headlines in Serie A by securing a Champions League spot this season, but they’ve since faced a series of blows: coach Thiago Motta departed for Juventus, and striker Joshua Zirkee moved to Manchester United. The departure of Calafiori has only deepened the disappointment. Bologna will receive only half of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause Basel cleverly included in Calafiori's contract from last summer. Although the Rossoblu have made a solid profit on a €4 million player, missing out on a second season with the 22-year-old is disheartening. At least he’s not joining another Serie A team... Grade: B-

For
Arsenal: A player perfectly suited to Mikel Arteta’s vision of a fluid football team. Some Arsenal fans have questioned this move, given the Gunners’ established center-back duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, alongside a fit Jurrien Timber for the new season. This skepticism is understandable. However, Calafiori’s versatility and skill set are bound to provide Arteta with additional options. His prowess on the ball was evident when Luciano Spalletti even played him as a No.10 during an Italy training match at the Euros. His ability to break lines was showcased with a crucial assist in Italy’s decisive group game against Croatia. How Calafiori will be used at Arsenal remains to be seen, but he offers Arteta a range of possibilities. Grade: A

For Calafiori: An offer that’s hard to refuse. Although it might have seemed logical for Calafiori to follow Motta to Juventus—given Motta’s key role in his transition from an attacking left-back to a ball-playing center-half—the 22-year-old will benefit from playing under Arteta. Arteta likely views him as an upgrade on Oleksandr Zinchenko, a left-sided defender with additional midfield capabilities. Adapting to a new league and language will take time, but don’t be deceived by his hairband and good looks—Calafiori is a determined individual with the talent to become Italy’s next top defender. Grade: A-