Arsenal are nearing a preliminary agreement with Bologna for the transfer of Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori. Bologna has been adamant about receiving a £42 million fee for the 22-year-old left-back. Discussions are currently centered on finalizing the payment structure and incorporating additional clauses into the deal, according to reports from Sky Italy.
Personal terms between Calafiori and Arsenal are expected to be straightforward. However, negotiations are complicated by Basel’s stake, which entitles them to up to 50 percent of any profit Bologna makes from the sale. Bologna acquired Calafiori last summer for a fee of £3.3 million.
Calafiori made a strong impression during Euro 2024, despite Italy’s early exit from the tournament held in Germany. His absence, due to suspension, was notably felt in Italy’s defeat to Switzerland in the round of 16.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori underscores their ambition to bolster the left-back position following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s underwhelming performances last season. Alongside the potential acquisition of Calafiori, Arsenal has also completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya.
