Arsenal to complete Riccardo Calafiori deal after terms agreed – sources
Arsenal are expecting to complete a deal to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in the coming weeks, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed it is a matter of when, rather than if the Italian defender will sign for Arsenal, with talks at an advanced stage.
Sources say the two sides are still trying to thrash out a fee, but personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Calafiori keen to make the move to north London.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive unit despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League last season.
Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Bologna will hold out for their £42million valuation to be met after the defender’s impressive Euro 2024 performances.
Arsenal confident of completing Riccardo Calafiori signing
Calafiroi played a vital part in the Bologna side that stunned Serie A by finishing fifth last season and continued his impressive displays with Italy at the Euros.
Having arrived at Bologna for just £3.4million last summer, the club are already keen to make a huge profit on the defender as they stick to their £42million valuation.
A long-term contract was agreed when he joined to keep him at the club until 2027, but they are ready to cash in after just one year.
Arsenal have risen to the top of the list of interested clubs and have moved quickly to lead the race for his signature.
Arteta is said to be keen to bolster his side all over the pitch in a bid to finally beat Man City to the Premier League title after consecutive second-placed finishes.
Given the dominance of William Saliba and Garbiel at the back for Arsenal, Calafiori is expected to feature on the left-hand side under Mikel Arteta.
This could free up Oleksandr Zinchenko to depart after inconsistent performances last season, and Football Insider revealed in June that he would be up for sale this summer.
In other news, Man United could be handed a points deduction by the Premier League.
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