Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed new boy Riccardo Calafiori made a 'really powerful' first impression during the pair's first meeting. The Gunners have completed a deal for the Italian centre-back - who can also play at left-back - in a transfer worth an initial fee of around £33.7million, rising to £42million with add ons.
The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract at the Emirates and becomes their fourth summer arrival after Lucas Nygaard, David Raya and Tommy Setford joined earlier in the window.
Arsenal saw off interest from Juventus at the 11th hour to win the race for Calafiori, with the former Bologna defender dead set on joining the Gunners after hearing of their interest. Arteta has lift the lid on his first meeting with the versatile defender, with Calafiori's willingness to join leaving a lasting impression.
"That was great when I spoke to him one or two times and I wasn’t sure if we could do it or not," Arteta revealed during his recent pre-season tour press conference. "He was adamant, ‘let me know when you’re ready, my bags are packed and I just want to join Arsenal’.
"Those were his words. When you have someone with that willingness and the that passion to join and make us better and that determination, it’s really powerful. As a club we should be really proud of that."
The Italy international has travelled to the United States, linking up with his new teammates and could make his Gunners debut against Liverpool on Wednesday.
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