Arsenal are poised to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on X, Romano revealed that there is nearly a “total agreement” between the two clubs over the transfer fee, which has held up the deal until now.
It is believed that Calafiori’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, has been informed that the deal is likely to be completed over the coming days.
A five-year contract had already been agreed, but it has taken some time for the Gunners to reach a similar accord with Bologna.
Why has it taken so long to get this transfer over the line?
Reports suggest that the Gunners were hoping to include several add-ons in the deal, but Bologna were looking to get as much upfront as possible due to the existence of a sell-on clause.
Calafiori‘s previous team FC Basel will get 50% of the fee so the Italian club needed to ensure that a guaranteed amount would be paid. They had been demanding around €50m (£42m) and we shall see if that is the final figure that has been agreed upon.
Arsenal have beaten several clubs to Calafiori’s signature
Juventus were originally favourites to snap up the centre-back. The Bianconeri reportedly had an agreement with his agent on personal terms but their decision to appoint Bologna’s Thiago Motta as their new head coach soured relations between the two teams.
Chelsea and Liverpool were also credited with an interest in Calafiori but neither team made a formal bid for the defender. Of course, with negotiations taking longer than expected, there was always a danger that the deal could be hijacked but it appears as if a breakthrough has finally been found. We shall have to wait and see whether the move can be finalised in time for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. He would become the club’s second summer addition after David Raya signed on a permanent basis from Brentford.
