Arsenal sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42 million

Arsenal have signed Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a fee of up to £42m including add-ons. The 22-year-old, who started Italy’s three group games at Euro 2024, has signed a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta’s side. He has immediately joined up with his new team-mates in Philadelphia. Calafiori, who spent one season at Bologna, can play as a central defender or at left-back – and has previously played on the left wing.

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Thiago Alcantara retires from football aged 33

Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was restricted to just one appearance during the 2023-24 season because of injury. Thiago had hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to return until February 2024, when he came on as a late substitute in a defeat at Arsenal and suffered another injury.

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Jamie Vardy signs contract extension at Leicester City

Veteran striker Jamie Vardy has signed a new one-year contract at Leicester. The 37-year-old will extend his stay at the King Power to 12 years after agreeing a deal for the 2024-25 season. The former England international scored 20 goals in 37 appearances as the Foxes won promotion to the Premier League in the 23-24 campaign.

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Chelsea appoint Leicester’s Enzo Maresca as new head coach

Chelsea have appointed Leicester manager Enzo Maresca as their new boss on a five-year contract with the option of an extra year. The Italian replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent on 21 May after just one season at Stamford Bridge. Maresca, 44, took charge of the Foxes in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last term.

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Kieran McKenna commits future to Ipswich with new four year deal

Kieran McKenna says he is “excited” to lead Ipswich into the Premier League after signing a new four-year contract at Portman Road. McKenna, 38, guided Ipswich to a second successive promotion this season and had been linked with Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United after taking the Tractor Boys into the top flight. “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,” McKenna told the Ipswich website.

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