Riccardo Calafiori says £6m player he's seen at Arsenal is faster than everyone else at the club

Riccardo Calafiori has been at Arsenal for about three weeks now, and he is getting to know his new teammates very well.

The Italian joined the Gunners from Bologna in July after over a month of speculation. A number of clubs wanted Calafiori, including Chelsea, but he chose Arsenal over everyone else.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the Gunners against Olympique Lyon in the Emirates Cup, and he showed some really positive signs.

Now, he needs to build some chemistry with his teammates on the left side of Arsenal’s pitch, and it looks like one player has already caught his eye.

Riccardo Calafiori says Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s fastest player

Gabriel Martinelli is one of the best bargains Arsenal have pulled off in years.

The Gunners signed the Brazilian for just £6 million in the summer of 2019 (Goal), and he instantly became a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

Martinelli scored 15 goals for Arsenal in the 2022/23 season and was one of their best players. He had a difficult time last season, but he’s still a big weapon for Mikel Arteta.

One of the 23-year-old’s best traits is his pace.

When Martinelli is in full flow, he is very difficult to stop, and the former Ituano man’s dribbling makes him a nightmare to defend against as well.

Calafiori, who is expected to play as a left-back at Arsenal, has watched Martinelli in training, and his pace seems to have caught his eye.

In a video released on Arsenal’s social channels, many players were asked a number of questions including who the fastest player at the club is.

Calafiori had a little think and then claimed: “Gabriel Martinelli!”

Click on the play button below to watch all the other predictions from your favourite Arsenal stars.

Martinelli is about to have his dream partnership at Arsenal

Martinelli had a difficult 2023/24 season at Arsenal – the Brazilian scored just eight goals in all competitions.

Injuries definitely played a part, but Martinelli also struggled because he had very little support from his teammates on the left side of the pitch.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu didn’t help the 23-year-old as much as he would’ve liked, while Arsenal failed to replace Granit Xhaka, who massively contributed to Martinelli’s success in his final season at the club as a left-sided number eight.

Now, Martinelli will have the support of Calafiori on the left side, and with Arsenal close to signing Mikel Merino, their left side will be just as strong as the opposite flank.

That would be a huge blessing to Martinelli, who could explode this season.