Arsenal forced to include clause in Calafiori deal

Carlo Garganese

23 Jul 2024 11:00 BST
3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal, 2024 — © IMAGO

Nicolo Schira has revealed the terms of Arsenal’s imminent signing of Riccardo Calafiori, and it includes a sell-on clause in favour of Bologna.

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Calafiori is expected to officially complete his transfer to the Gunners this week, with a medical to take place in the coming days.

Schira claims that Arsenal will pay €50 million to sign Calafiori from Bologna.

The 22-year-old has agreed a contract until 2029 worth €3.5m a year plus €0.5m in bonuses.

But Schira also adds that Bologna have forced Arsenal into accepting a clause in Calafiori’s contract that will see the Italian side receive 10% from any future sale by the Gunners.

Bologna have been keen to add this into the deal after being stung by Basel’s 40-50% sell-on clause in his current deal that will see the Swiss side take up to half of what Arsenal pay for Calafiori.

© IMAGO - Calafiori will join Arsenal this week

Calafiori in 2023-24

Calafiori was one of the breakout stars of the Serie A season in 2023-24, playing a key role in Bologna’s shock qualification for the Champions League.

A modern centre back, Calafiori has displayed all the qualities and attributes of a potentially top-class defender.

The 22-year-old presses and reads the game excellently. His use of the ball is superb and he is renowned for bringing the ball out of defence and joining in the construction of the play in midfield and beyond. He is aggressive and excellent in the air.

Calafiori was converted from a left back to a centre back by now former Bologna manager Thiago Motta - now the new Juventus boss.

The defender also enjoyed a brilliant Euro 2024 group stage, setting up Mattia Zaccagni’s memorable 98th minute equaliser for Italy against Croatia.

He was suspended for Italy’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the last 16.

Mikel Arteta is expected to use Calafiori as a left back at Arsenal this coming season.