Arsenal are eager to include Jakub Kiwior in exchange for Riccardo Calafiori, but the Polish defender prefers a switch to AC Milan.
According to The Times, Arsenal are eager to include Jakub Kiwior in the deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori, although such an operation has many complications. The Polish defender reportedly wants a switch to AC Milan, while Bologna’s £46 million asking price for Calafiori is not something the Gunners are willing to spend.
Jakub Kiwior to be included in Riccardo Calafiori deal?
Arsenal may have secured personal terms with Riccardo Calafiori over a move. But they are still far away from agreeing a fee with Bologna for the Italian international. The Gunners are not willing to match the Serie A side’s £46 million demands for the defender and have instead only made an offer worth £37 million so far.
Hence, the two clubs are far off in their valuations. While some reports suggested talks have stalled, the reality is that the two clubs are trying to find a way. There are multiple layers of complications, including the 50% sell-on clause that FC Basel have in place, which will force Bologna to pay half of what they profit from this deal to the Swiss side.
Arsenal are looking for ways to match Bologna’s valuation and are even willing to include Jakub Kiwior in the deal. The report states that Bologna is open to the idea of bringing in the 24-year-old versatile defender in place of Calafiori, who joined the Gunners from Spezia in a £17.5 million deal 18 months ago.
Calafiori’s arrival will likely spell the end for Kiwior at the Emirates, with Arsenal willing to entertain offers for the 24-year-old versatile defender. However, their proposal to include the Pole as part of the deal for the £46 million-rated Italian may not materialise as Kiwior reportedly prefers a switch to AC Milan.
Kiwior wants AC Milan switch
There are two scenarios in the Calafiori deal, as Kiwior can simplify it by agreeing on a move to Bologna and smoothen the process. The second is that AC Milan signed the defender for a good enough fee for the Gunners to consider, and the North Londoners use that cash to pay the difference in valuation with Bologna.
Kiwior has been on Milan’s wishlist for a while now, and whether they are eager to bring him remains the question, as there have been no bids so far. Meanwhile, should Arsenal sell Kiwior, they will undoubtedly look to profit from their investment in the defender. As for Calafiori, there is general confidence that the Gunners will seal the deal at some stage as talks over a fee continue with Bologna.
