Riccardo Calafiori's Arsenal transfer admission speaks volumes about Mikel Arteta

Arsenal signed Italy international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this summer in a £42million deal and the versatile defender has needed no time to settle into his new surroundings

Riccardo Calafiori has revealed how Mikel Arteta won him over and persuaded the Italy international defender to choose Arsenal during a heartfelt phone call back in May.

The Italy international defender, who has played at both left and right-back for the Gunners, moved to north London in a £42million switch from Bologna in July.

But Arsenal were not the only club in the running for the player's signature as Juventus, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool were also among his long list of admirers.

However, speaking to Football Focus, Calafiori, who attended the Emirates in January to watch the Gunners thrash Crystal Palace 5-0 during a spontaneous trip to London, has made no secret of the fact that Arteta was the integral driving force behind his decision to move to the Premier League title contenders.

The ex-Bologna man said: "He first wrote to me and then said can I call you. It was so humble and so easy on the phone. He wanted to explain the situation and what they thought about me, what I could improve. He tried to convince me but I was already convinced. Not just because it is Arsenal but because it is Mikel."

Calafiori has proven an instant hit at the Emirates after netting a stunning long-range equaliser in the dramatic 2-2 draw at Manchester City in September.

Arsenal boss Arteta has always taken it upon himself to speak to transfer targets, presenting a clear plan for each player while also providing assurances that they would be welcomed with open arms.

But on this occasion, his love for Calafiori was very much reciprocated and the Spaniard was left excited by the defender's clear desire to not only join Arsenal but also succeed at the club.

Arteta said back in July following the completion of the deal: “It was great, I spoke to him one or two times and I knew other things so I wasn’t really sure 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 and when you have that feeling and someone with that willingness to join us and to make us better, and that determination, it’s something really powerful. I think as a club we should be very proud of that.”

The 22-year-old has also since declared that he consulted close friend Daniele De Rossi for advice before moving to Arsenal, stating: “He is one of my friends and I always ask him about my biggest decisions and he always gives me good advice. I spoke to him about coming to Arsenal and he said ‘this one of the biggest opportunities for you to improve as a player’.”

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