ARSENAL CLOSING IN ON BOLOGNA’S RICCARDO CALAFIORI

Arsenal are on the verge of securing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in a deal worth an estimated £42.1million.

The club are finalising the terms, with only a few aspects of the deal still under negotiation, according to Sky Italy.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the payment structure and various clauses, though personal terms are not expected to pose any issues.

Calafiori’s former club Basel will benefit from the transfer as they are set to receive 50% of Bologna’s profit from the deal.

The 22-year-old defender has been a hot commodity in recent weeks, with reported interest from Juventus, another Premier League club, and even Real Madrid.

However, Calafiori has expressed a clear preference to join Arsenal, having given his word to the Gunners.

The young Italian’s performance at Euro 2024 was notable, despite Italy’s early exit from the tournament.

He was missed due to suspension during Italy’s last-16 defeat to Switzerland.

Previously, Bologna acquired Calafiori for £3.4million last summer, making this upcoming transfer a significant gain.

Calafiori’s agent, Alessandro Lucci from The World Soccer Agency, is overseeing the final details of the move.