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August 1, 2024

Martin Odegaard Evaluates Arsenal’s Acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori Following Pre-Season Loss to Liverpool – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has praised Riccardo Calafiori as a “top player,” noting that he has quickly made a strong impression during pre-season training after joining from Bologna.

The Gunners ended weeks of intense speculation surrounding Riccardo Calafiori’s future by officially announcing his transfer from Bologna for a fee of €50 million (£42.1 million) on Monday. This confirmation not only cleared up any uncertainty but also highlighted Arsenal’s commitment to strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike can now look forward to seeing how Calafiori will fit into the team and contribute to their ambitions.

The Italy defender, who excelled during this summer’s European Championship and captured the attention of fans and scouts alike, has officially become Arsenal’s second signing of the transfer window. This move comes on the heels of David Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford, marking a significant step in Arsenal’s efforts to enhance their squad. Calafiori’s impressive performance on the international stage has heightened expectations for his impact at the club, and supporters are eager to see how he will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Calafiori’s versatility was crucial in Arsenal’s decision to pursue him. The 22-year-old is adept at playing center-back and left-back, which is expected to enhance significantly Mikel Arteta’s squad rotation next season.

On Tuesday, Calafiori eagerly dove into training at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania, joining his new Arsenal teammates who diligently put in the effort to prepare for their upcoming pre-season friendly against Premier League rivals Liverpool. The training session was intense, as players focused on refining their tactics and building chemistry ahead of the match. Calafiori’s swift integration into the team highlights his commitment to getting acclimated and contributing to the squad’s success as they gear up for the new season’s challenges.

However, Arsenal supporters will need to exercise some patience before witnessing Calafiori in action, as the Italian was not included in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool. During this match, key players such as Mohamed Salah, Fabio Carvalho, and Kai Havertz found the back of the net, showcasing their offensive prowess. The absence of Calafiori from the lineup means fans will have to wait longer to see how he fits into the team dynamics and contributes to Arsenal’s efforts on the pitch.

When asked about the impact Calafiori had following the defeat, Arsenal captain Odegaard responded: ‘I think everyone saw straightaway in training that he is a top player and a top defender, physically.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

‘He has this presence on the pitch and I’m sure he’s going to give us a lot.

‘We’re happy to have him on board and I’m looking forward to seeing more from him.’

Odegaard expressed that he is  “very happy” with Arsenal’s current squad and pays little mind to transfer speculation, despite the club being connected to several high-profile potential signings in recent weeks.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

‘To be honest, I don’t focus too much on those things. It’s down to the club to decide all those things,’ the Norway international added.

‘I’m very happy with the squad we have at the moment and we’ll have some more players coming back at the end of the week so I’m looking forward to that.

‘We’re in a good moment and we just have to keep pushing and get ready for the season.’

Although he felt “a bit disappointed” by the loss, Odegaard remains optimistic about the progress the squad has made throughout their pre-season campaign.

‘In general, it’s been a good tour. We’re gaining a lot of fitness and some good answers in the game,’ the midfielder continued.

‘I think it’s been good but obviously we wanted to win the game today so we’re a bit disappointed now, but it’s pre-season.

‘The main thing at the moment is to get ready but always when we play we want to win.’

‘Whenever you lose you’re a bit disappointed but the most important thing at the moment is that we’re on getting sharper, getting more fit and getting ready for a big season.’