'Energetic, passionate, intelligent' - Mikel Arteta expects 'a lot' from Riccardo Calafiori after new signing makes Arsenal debut against Lyon

Calafiori joined Arsenal earlier this summer in a £42 million ($54m) move from Bologna, and the Italian has come to the Emirates with a lot of expectations placed on his shoulders. Those expectations have been amplified to another level by Arteta's comments on what he expects from the 22-year-old following his debut for the Gunners against Lyon.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: "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."

He added: "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."

Arsenal have made only two signings this summer including Calafiori as they brought David Raya permanently to the Emirates. The Gunners will hope their signings will help them do one better compared to last season after they fell short in the Premier League title race against Manchester City.

Following his impressive debut, Calafiori could very well be a starter for Arteta when they begin their Premier League season with a clash against Wolves on August 17.