“He brings a lot of versatility” : Mikel Arteta pleased with latest Arsenal signing
The Gunners have ended their pre-season camp with a satisfactory 2-0 win over French club Olympique Lyon. Head coach Mikel Arteta declared their pre-season tour successful as he feels all players have been tested and warmed up before the start of the 24/25 Premier League season.
The fans and coaching staff were specifically excited to witness the debut of Arsenal’s newest member, Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old Italian defender has had quite the year for himself, as he has quickly risen up to the ranks to secure this big move.
Riccardo Calafiori helped Serie A side Bologna secure a Champions League berth for the first time since the 1960s. He was also Italy’s best player in the UEFA Euros 2024, and gained massive recognition and fan following which led to the Gunners splashing £42m on him this summer.
Mikel Arteta says Calafiori felt the ‘love’ of the fans
The former Bologna defender was cheered and welcomed as soon as he stepped foot on the pitch, a gesture that made Mikel Arteta grateful for the fans. He addressed it post-match to give thanks to the people’s unwavering support.
“I just love it when the fans react like that to one of your own, the way you feel it straight away, its love, you are respected, they are right behind you. And that’s an unbelievable platform for someone to join our club. That’s the platform for many players to join our club.” said Arteta.
The Italian made an impressive debut at left-back and switched to the centre later on, all while not putting a foot wrong. The Spainard was mighty impressed by the defender, as he praised him to the media and set huge expectations across his shoulders.
“He brings a lot of versatility because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, he can occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender. When you see his presence, his physicality, how he goes to the duels, he’s unbelievable. Obviously, he’s done a lot last year and I think he’s a player that can improve us.” said the 42-year-old (via GOAL).
“We are managing them, it’s a lot of new things for him. It’s a big step up, but he’s so willing as you could see, for the 20 minutes that he played, he’s so energetic, so passionate, a really intelligent player. He’s going to give us a lot.” the Arsenal manager added.
Although Arsenal has one of the strongest sides in the league with players stacked in each position, they are not done yet in the transfer market, as Arteta wants to add another Spainard, Mikel Merino in the mix. Their Premier League season starts on August 17, taking on the Wolves, where Riccardo Calafiori is expected to get some minutes, or even be a starter.
