David Ornstein gives Arsenal update on Riccardo Calafiori | OneFootball

Arsenal are looking to finalise the signing of first-choice defensive target Riccardo Calafiori, but there are suggestions not everyone at the club sees the deal as good business.

Italy’s Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori celebrate after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Italy and Albania at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund on June 15, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Following all the recent links between Arsenal and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that the player is indeed Arsenal’s primary defensive target.

Ornstein reports that Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the player and hopes to press ahead with the signing, though he may need to convince others within the club that the deal is good business.

On the back of Calafiori’s performances at Euro 2024, he’s obviously not going to come cheap.

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Salernitana at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 01, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Ed Aarons of The Guardian reports that Arteta is keen to push through the transfer before Arsenal depart for their pre-season tour of the United States next week. The squad are reportedly due to set off on July 21st.

Aarons adds that negotiations over the fee and structure of the transfer have progressed in recent days, with Bologna set to receive around £42m. However, close to half of that will be forwarded on to Calafiori’s former club Basel due to a sell-on clause.

Fabrizio Romano also reported on Monday that Arsenal want to finalise the Calafiori transfer this week, adding that there are no issues on the player’s side.

Personal terms have been agreed on a contract to 2029, he wants to join Arsenal, he’s just waiting for the green light from the club-to-club talks.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates after Mattia Zaccagni of Italy (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Chelsea were previously in the mix for Calafiori as well, but the player was always clear that he wants to join Arsenal. The Blues had to move on and sign Renato Veiga from FC Basel instead.

On Basel, Calafiori’s former club have a sell-on clause worth 50% of the sale over €4.5m, and they’re being kept up to date on negotiations. If Bologna get the €50m they want, Basel would receive half of the €45.5m profit.

Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24. As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back.

Calafiori would be Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, having already brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard as well as signing David Raya from Brentford on a permanent deal.