Arsenal are close to securing Riccardo Calafiori’s signature ahead of their rivals in what could be a €50 million move from Bologna.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal are in the pole position to secure Riccardo Calafiori’s signature ahead of their rivals. The Gunners could sign the Italian international for a fee of around €50 million, although there’s still the looming danger of Chelsea entering the chase.
Arsenal to secure Riccardo Calafiori?
Mikel Arteta might be closing in on his first signing of the summer, with Riccardo Calafiori pencilled in to join Arsenal in the coming days. With Italy out of the Euros, the defender is free to discuss a transfer, with Bologna resigned to losing their star performer from last season.
The Gunners have had a good enough relationship with Bologna since the transfer of Takehiro Tomiyasu back in 2022 and may have the upper hand, as per the report, in the chase for Calafiori. Arteta has been looking for a left-sided defender and may have been impressed by the profile of the 22-year-old versatile centre-back.
There were reports of Arsenal making a €47 million bid, although the real fee offered might have been lower than that, considering Bologna rejected it. The Italian side are keen to secure at least €50 million for the international, and the Gunners may not hesitate to pay a little more to ensure the defender.
Another report suggested that Calafiori had agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, which may further boost the Gunners’ hopes of signing him. From various sources, it is clear that Arteta’s side has a genuine interest in the Italian international and remains on course to beat their rivals.
Should Arsenal be bothered by Chelsea’s interest?
Arsenal fans will not believe the Calafiori reports until the defender signs on the dotted line, as Chelsea’s interest could keep them worried in this transfer race. The Blues had previously hijacked their move for Mykhailo Mudryk, and this will keep them awake until Calafiori signs in.
However, according to the report on Arsenal’s Calafiori chase, they are far ahead of the competition, especially with Chelsea. Juventus are also out of the running, as the Gunners are clearly the favourites to sign the Italian international.
