Arsenal Football Club is on the verge of securing their second signing of the summer transfer window, with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori set to join the Emirates Stadium.
Calafiori, who has impressed at Euro 2024, is highly sought after by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his key premier league project.
While personal terms have already been agreed upon, negotiations between Arsenal and Bologna are ongoing, with the two clubs yet to agree on a transfer fee.
Bologna is holding out for a €50 million asking price, which Arsenal is reluctant to meet.
If an agreement is reached, Calafiori will sign a five-year contract with Arsenal, earning around €4 million per year.
His signing would be a significant coup for the Gunners, who have been searching for a top-class center-back to partner with William Saliba.
Calafiori’s impressive defensive skills and ability to play the ball out from the back make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori is not without competition, as Liverpool and Juventus are also interested in the defender.
However, Bologna’s transfer chief, Giovanni Sartori, has revealed that Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League than join Juventus, despite the player’s preference for a move to the Bianconeri.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is also linked with Nico Williams, a wide player who is said to be Arteta’s preferred target if the club adds to their squad in that area this summer.
Williams is currently ignoring interest from other clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool, and is holding out for a move to Barcelona.
However, if Barcelona delays completing a deal, Arsenal is ready to swoop in and sign the winger, who has a £47 million release clause.
Arteta’s interest in Williams makes sense, given the player’s talent and the club’s need for a winger.
Arsenal’s ability to offer Champions League football and having a Spanish-speaking manager in Arteta could give them an edge over Chelsea and Liverpool in hijacking any deal if Barcelona falters.
While Arsenal does not necessarily need a winger, they are positioning themselves to be opportunistic should such a situation arise.
Arsenal is determined to build a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title, and securing Calafiori and potentially Williams would be significant steps in strengthening their defensive line and enhancing their title aspirations.
With their impressive transfer business so far this summer, Arsenal is shaping up to be a formidable force in the Premier League next season.
