The £42m groundbreaking Arsenal transfer that will finally beat Man City to Premier League title

Arsenal have made one of the best signings in recent history with Riccardo Calafiori, and although expectations should be measured as he adapts to life in the Premier League, he’s exactly the kind of player that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have been crying out for.

If you’ve been watching Serie A in recent times have seen what Bologna did to teams, you’d understand why Mikel went all out for the 22-year-old, even at a cost of £42 million. The versatile left-footer only joined the Italian side for £3.3 million last summer and attracted interest from clubs across Europe after being one of the standout players in a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign for Italy.

When Calafiori was first emerging, there were doubts about his true position and strengths. Some believed he was more of a midfielder than a left-back, while others were certain he was a left-back. That lack of clarity is exactly what makes him such a brilliant signing.

Mikel’s system demands a controller like Calafiori, who is comfortable in defence as well as in attack and can maintain possession. If last season was anything to go by, he’s just added the missing ingredient to the Arsenal armoury that could fire the Gunners to their first league title since the Invincibles.

A lot of fans are concerned about the need for a striker to finish off chances, but it’s strategic that Mikel is focusing on more control. What he’s doing is not just looking at scoring goals; he’s focusing on tiring out teams, entertaining fans, and seizing more control, which will eventually lead to the goals that win games.

Under Thiago Motta, Calafiori proved to be more than capable of playing in multiple positions, but not just that—he has the ability to sense danger as well as opposition weaknesses. He is the kind of player Pep Guardiola has always used as a "cheat code," and Mikel knows that what will win the league is not just star players, but the extra details and control that lead to maximum results.

One of the things that define the Premier League is the second ball. When Pep first arrived, he underestimated the importance of winning the second ball. Last season, no defender in Serie A made more recoveries than Calafiori. He is that extra yard the Gunners have been lacking at the back, and if Manchester City thought last season was close, this season will be even closer once Calafiori gets used to the pace of the Premier League.

The Italy international played 33 matches across all competitions for Bologna and proved to be key for the side as they secured Champions League qualification. The difference with and without him in the team was stark. He featured in 30 Serie A games, with Bologna winning 16 and losing just three (drawing the other 11). In the six games where he did not feature after signing, they won two, drew two, and lost two.

Having run City close in the past two Premier League campaigns, Mikel has finally found the piece that completes the puzzle.