Arsenal are the only club in talks to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna despite rumoured interest from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign the Italy international in a deal worth around €50m (£42.2m) with Calafiori one of the most coveted centre-backs in Europe following a brilliant season with Bologna.
The 22-year-old excelled in Thiago Motta’s side as Bologna secured a top-five finish in Serie A, earning qualification to the Champions League for the first time in 59 years. Calafiori’s performances saw him break into the Italy side and he featured three times for the Azzurri at Euro 2024 this summer.
The defender has given the green light to a move to North London and an agreement has been reached on personal terms, with Arsenal and Bologna now discussing the final fee and structure of a deal.
Though interest in the defender is high, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal are the only team in talks to sign Calafiori who has given preference to a move to the Gunners.
The Italian is expected to become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after David Raya’s loan from Brentford was made permanent.
His arrival could also lead to exits, with Jakub Kiwior set to be allowed to leave should a suitable offer arrive. There is rumoured interest in the Poland international from Italy.
