Man United legend claims $53.5m signing can seal Premier League title at Arsenal

Arsenal are expected to launch another Premier League title charge in the 2024/25 season.

Mikel Arteta's side finished as runners up to Manchester City for the second season running in 2023/24 losing out to Pep Guardiola's defending champions by two points in the run-in.

Despite that frustration, Arteta has diligently worked to improve his squad over the summer, with some key new faces landing at the Emirates Stadium.

Alongside securing a permanent deal for on-loan goal keeper David Raya, Arteta also wrapped up a £42 million ($53.5m) deal for Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Calfafiori impressed in fifth place finish in Serie A last season which also sealed a first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification spot for the club.

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However, he was tempted by the challenge put forward by Arteta, and he offers vital versatility and quality to cover at left-back and in central defence.

Former England international Rio Ferdinand, who won six EPL titles as a player at Man United, is well qualified to assess how a solid defence wins titles and he believes Calafiori's arrival can do just that for Arteta.

"It’s hard to go against City because of how successful they’ve been over the last four seasons", he told an interview with TNT Sports.

"But I think Arsenal, with Calafiori coming in on the left-hand side, if he comes in and sures that area up. I think he’s a fantastic player and he understands the type of football that Arteta wants to play.

"I think that area was a slight weakness in the team, he gives them a bit of balance and stability. So I’ll go maybe Arsenal to win it, but there’s got to be a hunger."

Arsenal kickoff their EPL campaign at home to Wolves on August 17 with Calafiori in line to make his competitive debut at left-back alongside Arteta's preferred other defenders Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.