Arsenal’s move for Riccardo Calafiori may require some more work as the two sides are deliberating over the transfer fee.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Arsenal’s move for Riccardo Calafiori might have hit a snag as the two clubs continue to deliberate on the final fee. Serie A club Bologna are demanding €50 million to sell their prized defender, and the Gunners have not clarified how much they are willing to fork out.
Arsenal’s move for Riccardo Calafiori in jeopardy?
Reports from Italy were buoyant about Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori, insisting the team was imminent and would be concluded sooner rather than later. There have been widespread stories about the Bologna defender wanting a move to the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta is extremely keen to sign the left-footed versatile defender.
Arsenal are confident about signing Calafiori, with reports suggesting they could wrap up his arrival by the end of this week. Things have slowed down a bit, which is always the way in some transfers, with the story now suggesting their move might have hit a roadblock.
The two clubs are reportedly deliberating over the final fee, with sources claiming that Arsenal feel the €50 million valuation of Calafiori is excessive. Whether this is the big issue for the two sides remains to be seen, although there’s a feeling they will agree on this sooner rather than later.
Arteta wants to integrate Calafiori into the pre-season squad for the US tour. The €50 million-rated prospect will certainly have a good position within the squad ahead of the new season, as the manager wants him to adapt to his new surroundings faster. However, with the reported snag due to the transfer fees in question, there is a feeling this deal will be done, but at its own pace.
Bologna missing out on transfer value
Bologna may have made a few errors in judging talents when purchasing them. For instance, as Manchester United close in on Joshua Zirkzee, they are entitled to pay Bayern Munich 50% of any profits owing to a sell-on clause the Bavarians inserted when selling the Dutchman.
Now, in Calafiori’s case, the Serie A outfit will have to pay 50% of all profits from the sale to Swiss side FC Basel, owing to a similar sell-on fee. Considering they paid over €4.5 million to sign the defender, they will have to pay half of whatever they make from the sale of the €50 million-rated defender, which as of now should be slightly over €45 million, with Basel set to receive half of that.
