Arsenal agree deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori - Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 21 Jul 2024 10:16 BST
3 min read

Arsenal have struck a deal with Bologna to sign Riccardo Calafiori, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Gunners have landed their first transfer coup of what has thus far been a pretty low-key summer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bologna for the transfer of top defensive target Calafiori.

The north London giants are set to pay a little less than the rumoured €50 million to secure his services, with Calafiori expected to pen a long-term contract at the Emirates. Romano states that the Gunners will pay €40m upfront and €5m in add-ons. Bologna will owe 50 per cent of the profit generated from this transaction to his former club FC Basel.

Arsenal moved quickly to secure the Italy star's green light after a move to Juventus had collapsed. Calafiori had initially been keen on joining the Old Lady, but Bologna refused to do business with their Serie A rivals after they poached head coach Thiago Motta.

Calafiori to take Arsenal to the next level

Chelsea had also been tentatively interested in Calafiori, but they quickly realised that his heart was set on joining Arsenal once personal terms had been agreed. The Blues instead purchased Renato Veiga, who had been Calafiori's replacement at Basel.

The Italian is expected to slot straight into Mikel Arteta's starting XI at the Emirates after helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 1960s.

He also starred for Italy at Euro 2024, which reportedly convinced Arsenal to make their move. The defender was initially not one of their priority targets but quickly assumed that status courtesy of his performances in Germany.

A left-back by trade, Calafiori spent most of last season at centre-back, but it is expected that he will revert to his old role under Arteta, who is keen on copying his mentor Pep Guardiola by using inverted full-backs.

Calafiori's unique skillset and offensive drive not only make him one of Europe's most interesting defenders but also an ideal player for his new coach's system.