Emirate Bologna is still seeking additional funds to sell Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal this summer, but not directly from the Gunners.
Calafiori had an impressive first season with Bologna, making 33 appearances across all competitions and helping the team secure a fifth-place finish in Serie A, qualifying them for the Champions League.
He transferred from Swiss side Basel to Bologna last summer, with a 50 percent sell-on clause included in the agreement.
Although it was reported 12 days ago that a deal for Arsenal to sign Calafiori was expected within 24-48 hours, Bologna has yet to finalize the transfer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reassured Arsenal fans that the deal is still on track, emphasizing that the Italy international, who impressed at Euro 2024, is eager to join the Premier League side.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel, “Arsenal have the match point to sign Riccardo Calafiori, and the player is obsessed with the opportunity to go to Arsenal.
He loves the idea, the project, and the chance to play under a top coach like Mikel Arteta.” During negotiations for Calafiori, Bologna asked about Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, but the Polish defender is not interested in the move.
Romano added on X that Kiwior could leave Arsenal on loan with a mandatory buy clause.
According to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Calafiori is currently preparing for preseason training later this month.
While Bologna has reached a viable agreement with Arsenal, the issue of Basel’s 50 percent sell-on clause is delaying the transfer.
Bologna is reportedly trying to pressure Basel into lowering their percentage of the sell-on clause to secure a larger share of the transfer fee from Arsenal.
However, Basel is not easily persuaded, and this could lead Bologna to ask for more money from Arsenal if Basel does not agree to reduce their percentage.
Despite the delay, Calafiori has expressed his desire to join Arsenal, and Bologna will only let him leave if their financial demands are met.
