Arsenal's brand new signing Calafiori handed shirt number worn by Arthur Okonkwo

New Arsenal centre-back Riccardo Calafiori will don the jersey which was previously owned by Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

The signature of the Italy international was confirmed today having moved from Bologna for a reported €45 million fee and he has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League outfit.

Calafiori was one of the standout players for Bologna last term, helping the Serie A side qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in sixty years.

He continued his exploits at the 2024 European championship, with his most notable contribution being his assist for Mattia Zaccagni's equalizer against Croatia which helped Italy book a place in the round of 16.

It wasn't surprising to see him being courted by a host of European heavyweights including Juventus and Real Madrid but decided moving to North London was his next destination.

The 22-year-old will wear the number 33 jersey which was owned by Okonkwo in the 2021/2022 campaign though the shot-stopper didn't feature in any game for Arsenal in the said season.

Arsenal's number 33 shirt has also been worn by Mathew Ryan, Matt Macey, Petr Cech, Matthew Connolly, Nicklas Bendtner, Graham Stack, Tommy Black, Greg Lincoln and Gavin McGowan in the past.

Calafiori has joined up with the Gunners' squad in the United States where they are preparing for the new season.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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