Arsenal complete £42m signing of Riccardo Calafiori as Mikel Arteta welcomes 'big personality and character' in Gunners' push to challenge Manchester City

The Gunners announced the arrival of the Italian defender on a long-term contract on Monday, with Mikel Arteta saying: "We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence.

"Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive."

Calafiori's move to north London for a reported transfer fee of £42 million ($54m) finally ended weeks of speculation as the Gunners saw off competition from Juventus and Chelsea to agree terms with the Italy international. The 22-year-old is capable of playing at both left-back and centre-half.

Calafiori began his career at AS Roma as a left-back but moved to the centre once he joined Bologna last year. The defender's arrival at Emirates Stadium will come as a huge boost for the Gunners especially in the left-back position which has been a weak link for the club in the past few seasons.

Calafiori has reached the United States and has started training with Arteta's squad. He could make his debut for the club in their upcoming pre-season friendly against Liverpool on July 31 in Philadelphia.