Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have everything in place to complete the signing of Bologna defensive sensation Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal have been working very hard to acquire the services of Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori and according to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have reached full agreement with Bologna for his transfer, which should be official in the coming days.
Riccardo Calafiori’s incredible revival
Things might not have worked out for Calafiori at AS Roma, but he made an exceptional return to Serie A with Bologna last season. After getting his career back on track with FC Basel, the Italian centre-back returned to his homeland.
In his debut campaign for Bologna, he was involved in 37 matches and contributed towards seven goals (two goals, five assists). He was key to their impressive run in the Serie A as they managed to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League.
While Italy did not have the best of UEFA Euro 2024 campaigns, he was a standout player for them at the back, and his performances did not go unnoticed. Calafiori still has three years left on his contract with Bologna. But he made clear to the club’s board that he wants to join a bigger club in the summer.
Multiple top clubs from across Europe have been linked with him. Quite a few clubs even approached the Serie A outfit. But they have lost out to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The Spanish manager wanted more competition at the back for a place in the starting XI, and Calafiori’s arrival will surely keep others around him on their toes.
Calafiori to join Arsenal
Not only will the young defensive prospect add depth to the heart of the defence, he can also provide cover at left-back when needed. The Gunners first managed to agree terms with the player, after which they negotiated with Bologna. In the end, both clubs agreed on a deal worth €45 million (€40 million upfront with €5 million in add-ons).
The Serie A club even managed to secure a sell-on clause. But things were not progressing because Bologna were yet to discuss terms payment terms with FC Basel, who hold a 50% sell-on clause. But, with this now sorted, both clubs are exchanging documents to complete the transfer.
The 22-year-old centre-back will pen down a five-year deal with Arsenal that will see him earn €4 million net per season. The Italian defender will undergo his medical in the US before the Gunners officially announce his transfer.
