Calafiori to Arsenal triggers SHOCK transfer domino for World Cup winner

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Jul 2024 16:53 BST
4 min read

Bologna want to replace Riccardo Calafiori with World Cup winner Mats Hummels, according to Italian media.

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Calafiori is one step away from joining Arsenal, having already agreed to personal terms with the Gunners. The only thing that needs to be sorted out between the north London giants and Bologna is the payment structure and the exact fee, with the 22-year-old set to command a figure in the region of €50 million.

The Euro 2024 breakout star's departure will be acutely felt by Champions League-bound Bologna, who are really getting taken apart this summer following their historic season. Coach Thiago Motta has already joined Juventus, while star striker Joshua Zirkzee is set for Man Utd.

In order to be able to compete in Europe's premier competition next term, the Serie A side will need to be ambitious in the transfer market. To that end, they are now targeting a World Cup winner and Champions League finalist to replace Calafiori.

Bologna want Hummels

According to the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna have identified free agent Mats Hummels as a potential successor to Calafiori for the heart of their defence.

Recruitment chief Giovanni Sartori is said to be 'pressing' to secure the German's signature after he departed Borussia Dortmund. The 35-year-old is looking for a new challenge and has no shortage of suitors after impressing massively in the Champions League last season.

Bayer Leverkusen, Mallorca, Roma, AC Milan, Inter and Cesc Fabregas' Como have all been linked with the former German international in recent weeks and now Bologna are the latest side with a major interest in him.

Hummels is said to be asking for a two-year contract with a €3 million per season salary, which is a demand that the club bosses at Bologna are seriously evaluating right now. Among the other options under consideration are Barcelona's Clement Lenglet and Udinese's Jaka Bijol, who starred at Euro 2024 for Slovenia.