Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, is on the cusp of completing the signing of Bologna’s highly-rated defender Riccardo Calafiori.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have held a fresh round of talks with Bologna to finalize the deal, with all formalities expected to be completed by next week.
This development comes after Arsenal reached agreements with both Calafiori and Bologna, paving the way for the transfer.
Calafiori’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.
A product of AS Roma’s academy, he excelled in his debut season with Bologna, featuring in 33 matches and contributing to seven goals.
His consistent performances earned him a spot in Italy’s squad for Euro 2024, where he impressed with his exceptional defensive displays despite the Azzurri’s underwhelming performance.
The 22-year-old defender’s desire to join a bigger club was made clear upon his return from holiday, with initial reports suggesting he preferred to stay in Italy.
However, Calafiori is now set to join Premier League giants Arsenal, who have been working tirelessly to secure his services.
The Gunners have agreed on personal terms with Calafiori for a five-year deal and struck a deal with Bologna, with Arsenal agreeing to pay €40 million plus an additional €5 million in add-ons for the transfer.
While the main terms of the deal have been agreed upon, a few final details need to be ironed out.
According to Romano, both clubs held another round of talks to finalize the deal, with Arsenal awaiting an agreement between Bologna and Calafiori’s former club, FC Basel, regarding the sell-on clause payment structure.
The player’s medical and final formalities are expected to be completed next week, after which Calafiori will officially sign with Arsenal.
The signing of Calafiori would be a significant coup for Arsenal, who are strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
The defender’s exceptional defensive displays and ability to contribute to attacks make him an attractive addition to Arteta’s squad.
With Calafiori’s signing, Arsenal would be demonstrating their ambition and commitment to attracting top talent, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
