MIKEL STRIKES IT RICHY!

Gunners boss gets his man at last and Italian Calafiori was hungry to make switch

- NICK CALLOW

RICCARDO CALAFIORI has joined his new team-mates in America after finally completing his £42million move to Arsenal.

The versatile defender has signed a five-year contract that runs until 2029 and could make his debut against Liverpool tomorrow night.

Calafiori will wear the No.33 shirt and the Italy international wants to be known as Richy (pronounced Ricky) to his Gunners team-mates.

A deciding factor for manager Mikel Arteta was the player's desire to make the switch to north London.

"When I first spoke to him, that was a huge moment," said Arteta. "He told me my bags are packed and I am ready to come - just tell me when." Arsenal had been after the 22-year-old for some time and were kept waiting in recent weeks while Bologna received multiple bids from other clubs.