By Samuel A. June 20, 2024
Arsenal are finalising a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori for a fee expected to be worth €40m plus addons that might take the total fee to €45m in the long run. Bologna has been holding out for that figure, and discussions have been reported over the payment structure and clauses. There is agreement on many aspects of the deal at this point, but it is still not fully done. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem either, as the defender has already agreed to €4m net per season.
Calafiori’s former club Basel stands to make 50% of Bologna’s profit on any deal.
Other Premier League clubz, as well as Juventus and Real Madrid tried to sign the player in the last 10 days, however, Calafiori only wanted Arsenal and gave his word he would join the Gunners.
Bologna had bought him last summer for €4m (£3.4m). The 22 year old defender shone at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s early exit in Germany, with his presence sorely missed through suspension in the former holders’ last 16 exit to Switzerland.
He will become the second summer signing for Arsenal after David Raya was confirmed as having joined on a permanent move following his loan last season.
Calafiori’s arrival could also open up Jakub Kiwior to an exit from the Emirates Stadium. Clubs in Italy are snapping around for him and the Poland international is keen to keep developing but would see his game time reduced with Calafiori coming in as competition.
After plenty of negotiating, things may well now be starting to kick into gear for Arsenal. The key factor in all this was that Calafiori’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, has played a key role recently, discussing the deal behind the scenes and holding positive talks.
