Martin Odegaard reveals Riccardo Calafiori has blown Arsenal players away in training

Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori is currently with the rest of the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of the United States after joining the North London club from Bologna this week.

The 22-year-old is yet to taste action and was not named on the bench for the friendly game against Liverpool earlier today, but he has already impressed his new teammates, according to Martin Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain has revealed that Calafiori proved himself instantly with his quality and physicality in training, and the midfielder is looking forward to playing with him.

“Everyone saw it straightaway in training,” Odegaard told Hayters TV.

“He is a top player. He is a top defender, physical. He has this presence on the pitch and I am sure he is going to give us a lot.

“Happy to have him on board and looking forward to seeing more from him.”

Arsenal return to action when they face Bayer Leverkusen next Wednesday, and Calafiori could make his unofficial debut for the Gunners.

He has not had plenty of training since his European Championship campaign with Italy ended last month, and manager Mikel Arteta will not be in a rush to throw him into action.

They play Lyon next Sunday in the Emirates Cup final before their Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 11, and the versatile defender is likely to have his first taste of English top-flight action in front of the supporters at the Emirates Stadium.

Calafiori was one of the best players at Euro 2024 but had been on the radar of Arsenal for months, with his eye-catching performances in Germany only serving as confirmation of what they already knew.

His arrival has further strengthened a defence that conceded the least goals (29) in the Premier League last term, and the Gunners will hope they can go one better in the title race next season after recent near misses.