Declan Rice is one of the most popular members of the Arsenal squad.

The England international only joined the Gunners in 2023, but he settled in really quickly. He is loved by everyone at the club and gets along with everybody too.

Arsenal players definitely must have helped Rice when he first came in. So, the former West Ham man is playing his part with the club’s new signings.

He has now revealed that one summer arrival has become a really good friend.

Declan Rice says Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori thinks he’s ‘crazy’

Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in the summer of 2024.

A number of big clubs across Europe were interested in signing the Italy international, but once he heard that Mikel Arteta wanted to sign him, Calafiori chose Arsenal over everyone else.

The 22-year-old has had a few injury issues to deal with this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from settling in nicely with his teammates.

He seems have developed a close bond with a number of Arsenal players already, but Rice is probably his best mate at the Emirates.

Speaking about Calafiori in a video on Iqiyi, Rice claimed that Calafiori thinks he is a bit ‘crazy’ because of the person he is and how he behaves around him.

He said: “Yeah, he’s funny to be fair, he’s really funny. I think he thinks I’m a bit crazy, how I am as a person, with him and stuff. We have a really good laugh together.

“For someone who’s Italian, his English is really good. He knows a lot about the English culture, in terms of music, things to watch and obviously English football… just loads of different things.

“He has been an amazing asset to the group. I think everyone loves him and he’s really good to have around.”

One incredible stat shows how important Riccardo Calafiori is to Arsenal

Arteta was desperate to sign Calafiori in the summer and after weeks of negotiations with Bologna, Edu Gaspar got it done.

The Italian is an incredible player. His performances as a left-back have been brilliant, and the fact that he is still only 22 means he will only get better in the coming years.

Calafiori has played 12 games for Arsenal in all competitions so far, and the Gunners have only lost once – that was against Bournemouth when William Saliba was sent off in the very first half.

That shows just how important Calafiori is. Arsenal play better when he is in the side, and we can’t wait to see more of him in the famous red and white.

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