The Gunners opened the window by triggering the £27million buy option for goalkeeper David Raya.
The Spaniard spent last season on loan at The Emirates, where he forced himself in front of Aaron Ramsdale in Mikel Arteta‘s pecking order.
Raya ended up winning the Golden Glove award for the 2023-24 season with 13 clean sheets and he has now made his move to Arsenal permanent.
He is joined in North London by new signing Riccardo Calafiori, who joined the Gunners from Bologna in a £42million move.
With Jurrien Timber still struggling with injury, Calafiori could start the season at left-back for Arsenal.
Calafiori shone at Euro 2024 with Italy and the 22-year-old’s versatility could be key for Arteta. He is comfortable playing at left-back or centre-back.
Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal shouts during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on August ...
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
David Raya reveals first impression of Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal are still in the market for reinforcements but they will be happy with their business so far.
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The addition of Calafiori addresses Arsenal’s weakness at left-back, and the Italian’s stature and technical ability makes him a perfect fit for Arteta’s style of play.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Raya has revealed his first impression of fellow signing Calafiori.
“First of all, he is a great guy,” Raya said.
“He’s young, he’s only 22, he’s hungry.
“But in terms of football, he’s a great player, he has a great future. He can play left-back, he can play left centre-back so the first impression has been really good. He’s very, very strong and he goes in for tackles.
He would put his head in a washing machine, if you know what I’m saying. So, no, he’s great. A great guy and a great player.”
Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal next season
It could finally be Arsenal’s year. The Gunners have looked superb in pre-season and will be hungry to pip Manchester City to the title on the third time of asking.
Arteta has already laid solid defensive foundations down for his Arsenal side and the additional of Calafiori only strengthens them further.
As Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, defence wins you titles. With Raya and Calafiori now on their books, Arsenal stand a great chance of getting their hands on the Premier League trophy this season.
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