'My bags are ready!' - Mikel Arteta reveals how eager Riccardo Calafiori was to join Arsenal in first meeting

The versatile 22-year-old defender has joined Arsenal from Bologna for a fee that could rise to £42 million with add-ons. Calafiori quickly integrated with his new team-mates after the young defender was formally introduced to the squad by Arteta during a team meeting in Philadelphia, where Arsenal are currently on their pre-season tour.

When Arteta was asked what has been the most impressive feature of Calafiori, the manager said: "It was great when I spoke to him one or two times and that was when I didn’t know if we could do it or not. He was adamant - 'Let me know when you are ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal'. Those were his words. When you have that feeling with a willingness and determination to make us better. We should be really proud of that."

Despite his eagerness, Calafiori will not be thrown into the deep end in a friendly clash against Liverpool and instead might just get a "few minutes" to help him ease into his new role at Arsenal.

When asked about his potential debut, Arteta said: "I don’t know. He had a long flight yesterday and the medical. The last 48 hours have been busy for him. He hasn’t really done anything with the team. Let’s see how he is. If he’s available great, he might play a few minutes. But if he’s not ready, we’re not going to push him."

Calafiori revealed that he had been in discussions with Arteta and Arsenal's sporting director Edu for almost two months before a deal with Bologna was thrashed out.

"I spoke for almost two months with the coach and Edu. The negotiations were tough and took a while, but I was always convinced this was the right move for me," Calafiori said.

"I see Arsenal as the best project for me to develop as a player. There were other clubs but I don't care any more. I am here and I want to win trophies. This is the best project because the team is young and can win trophies. My mentality is to win. I can play in different positions, I don't care where but I just want to play. I was here in January to watch Arsenal versus Crystal Palace. As soon as I am really fit, I hope to help the team."

Having taken a break after Euro 2024, Calafiori is ready to resume training and get into the rhythm of Arsenal's pre-season preparations. The team has one more game in the United States against Liverpool, followed by friendlies at the Emirates Stadium against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon next month. As Arteta revealed, Calafiori’s integration into the team will be a gradual process and if the defender is rested against the Reds, he could make his debut in front of home fans on August 7.