'Reluctant' Arsenal star at fault for STALLED Calafiori transfer

Cameron Smith

18 Jul 2024 08:00 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are determined to use Jakub Kiwior as a makeweight to sign Riccardo Calafiori, but the Poland international is “reluctant” to join Bologna.

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Calafiori, 22, has agreed personal terms with the Gunners and is reportedly desperate to join the club, but Arsenal are yet to match Bologna’s asking price of €50 million.

The Serie A side will need to send 50% of the profit they earn on Calafiori to Basel, due to a sell-on clause included in his move from Switzerland back to Italy, and this has complicated matters.

In addition, Arsenal are hoping to lower the fee they pay for Calafiori by including Kiwior in the deal. The 24-year-old, however, is only interested in joining one of Italy’s biggest clubs, such as AC Milan, according to The Times.

As a result, Calafiori has been stuck in limbo and Arsenal must convince Kiwior to join Bologna or simply match the Serie A side’s asking price.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to strike a deal for Calafiori before the Gunners travel to the United States of America for a pre-season tour next week.

However, the deal has currently stalled and while Arsenal remain confident that Calafiori will join the club before the summer window ends, things will need to start moving soon or they could risk missing out.

© IMAGO - Jakub Kiwior is reluctant to join Bologna

Arsenal’s summer transfer business

David Raya is Arsenal’s only summer signing so far, with the Spain international joining the club on a permanent deal from Brentford following his successful loan spell at the club last campaign.

The Gunners are also interested in signing a new forward and a new central midfielder, in addition to Calafiori, as they look to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is currently their priority for the former, while FootballTransfers understands that Mikel Merino has emerged as a likely contender to provide midfield depth.