Arsenal sign Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

Arsenal have completed the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna as Emile Smith Rowe departs the Emirates Stadium.

Calafiori, 22, has been highlighted as a priority target for the Gunners this season and they have landed their man for a £42m fee.

Calafiori has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates after featuring for Italy during their Euro 2024 campaign.

“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. It’s a great signing and gives us huge strength to strengthen our defence,” said manager Mikel Arteta.

“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills that will make us stronger as we strive to win major trophies.

“He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, his progress and development over the last year has been truly impressive.

“We look forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the team and supporting him for years to come.”

Calafiori, who can also operate at left-back, becomes Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer after David Raya’s loan move from Brentford became permanent.

Calafiori has already joined his new team-mates on their tour of the United States and said Arsenal is the “perfect place” for him.

Asked what he can bring to the club, he told Sky Sports News: “Maybe my mentality, I like to win, I want to give that to the team.

“I’m confident with the ball, I love to play, this is the perfect place for me.”

While Calafiori came in, England international Smith Rowe left for London rivals Fulham.

The 24-year-old is a Hale End Academy graduate and has struggled to break into the first team, with a string of injuries also hampering his progress.

Smith Rowe made just 13 Premier League appearances last season and news agency PA understands a deal worth up to £34m has been agreed with Fulham, with £27m paid and a further 7 millions of pounds in potential add-ons, making it a club record deal. for whites.