Arsenal are prepared to hand Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori a €4m a year (£65,000 a week), five-year contract, according to to Tutto Bologna Web.
The Italian international would be more than doubling his current salary if he seals a move to the Emirates, but it is still a rather modest pay packet by Premier League standards.
Fans on X are now getting excited by the prospect of Calafiori being the Gunners’ first new signing of the summer transfer window:
Love it
— HTFC/AFC (@HtfcAfc) July 3, 2024
Arsenal will improve next season
— Duke Of Makerere 🇺🇬 (@Baram_256) July 3, 2024
We are so back!
— Nosakhare (@Unruly_BlackSon) July 3, 2024
I will be very happy if we can sign him
— oguntoye samson (@oguntoyesamso11) July 3, 2024
I need him pls
— BIG CALA 🏆 (@Goldenbadboss) July 3, 2024
If we get his sign, it will be the best signing for Arsenal.
— Almach Nestory 🇷🇺🇰🇵🇨🇳 (@NestoryAlm42370) July 3, 2024
Wat we want to hear next is here we go 👌🔥
— A.I.G🤓 (@Aig_space) July 3, 2024
Arsenal are in pole position to sign the centre-back
Chelsea are believed to be still interested in the 22-year-old but their bid will hinge on offering players in a part-exchange deal; something Bologna may not accept.
In contrast, the Gunners already have a green light from Calafiori himself and they are likely to match his €50m (£42m) price tag as and when the first proposal is lodged.
Arteta has approved the signing of Calafiori
Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on recruiting a left-footed centre-half this summer. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is also reportedly on the club’s shortlist but the teenager has already confirmed that he will stay in the Netherlands for another season.
That has led to the London club turning their attention to Calafiori, with a deal now likely to progress over the coming days.
