Arsenal have moved a giant step closer to signing Riccardo Calafiori in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Bologna defender in recent weeks, who impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 before the Azzurri were eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland.
Chelsea were also interested in the 22-year-old, but are instead set to sign Renato Veiga from FC Basel, clearing a pathway for their London rivals to complete one of the summer’s biggest deals.
Calafiori reportedly ‘wants’ a move to Arsenal above all else, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims that personal terms have been agreed.
The deal is not over the line yet, though. Although the player is ‘keen’ on joining the Premier League outfit, talks are still taking place between Arsenal and Bologna.
The Serie A side are said to be looking for around €50 million (£42.5m) for one of their star players. If the two parties can agree on a transfer fee then Calafiori will sign a five-year contract that will earn him €4m in salary.
Who is Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori?
Riccardo Calafiori is a left-footed defender who can play as a centre-back on either the left or right, as well as left-back or left wingback.
The Italy international came through the academy at AS Roma, for whom he made 18 senior appearances in all competitions before joining Swiss outfit FC Basel in 2022.
The following year Calafiori returned to Serie A and joined Bologna, where head coach Thiago Motta moved him to the centre of defence. He excelled in the role, helping the club qualify for the Uefa Champions League for the first time since 1964/65. He made 30 league appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists.
Calafiori has five caps for the Italian national team, three of which came in the group stage of Euro 2024. He missed out on their knockout clash with Switzerland after being handed a one-match suspension for picking up two bookings.
