Calafiori 'only wants Arsenal' as transfer 'will happen'

Suraj Radia

• 13 Jul 2024 15:00 BST
• 3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori ‘only wants Arsenal’ and a transfer is likely to get over the line, according to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, despite the Gunners having yet to meet Bologna’s asking price.

Calafiori established himself as one of the best young defenders in Serie A last season, helping Bologna qualify for the Europa League, while the Italian also impressed at Euro 2024.

The 22-year-old’s form led to interest from a host of sides including Juventus and Chelsea but he ended up agreeing personal terms with Arsenal and Italian reporter Di Marzio believes it is only a matter of time before a deal is concluded.

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“If [Arsenal] get Calafiori, they will have the perfect Premier League defender. He’s the perfect defender for Mikel Arteta, for Pep Guardiola," Di Marzio told Sky Sports. "With Italian defenders you think they only want to defend but, no, he plays for the team and he’s modern.

“He has a high price because Bologna wants €50m + bonus + percentage and Arsenal are a bit under but I think they will do the deal because he wants Arsenal.

“In his mind there is only Arsenal. Even Chelsea tried to get him but the player said ‘no I want Arsenal’ because Arsenal are considered as the perfect step by him and his agents.”

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Bologna are holding out for an initial fee of €50m as they owe 50% of any fee to the player’s former club, Basel, whom they purchased Calafiori from last summer for €4m.

It had previously been reported that some figures at Arsenal had ‘concerns’ over signing Calafiori as there were questions over whether the Gunners needed another left-sided defender.

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However, Arteta appears to have convinced the club to work towards a deal and it is widely expected a fee will eventually be agreed, with both Arsenal and Calafiori desperate to seal the transfer.

Arsenal have also begun creating space for Calafiori by loaning left-back Nuno Tavares to Lazio, while Jakub Kiwior is wanted by a host of Italian teams.