Arsenal are now edging closer and closer to their first summer signing as they have won the race for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The 22-year-old has now agreed terms over a move to Arsenal following interest from Juventus and Chelsea, and Mikel Arteta appears to have convinced him to join.
Calafiori is said to be “excited” about the prospect of a move to North London, and he has now agreed on a contract at the Emirates.
Arsenal are in talks with Bologna over a transfer fee, but the feeling is that an agreement is near, and all signs point towards a deal being completed in the coming weeks.
Financial details over Arsenal deal for Riccardo Calafiori
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Calafiori has agreed a contract at Arsenal until 2029, whilst there are still a few details to be ironed out with Bologna.
“Arsenal have agreed terms of Riccardo Calafiori’s contract, valid until June 2029,” he posted on X.
“Arsenal and Bologna are discussing over fee, as request remains around €50m (£42.2m). FC Basel would receive 50% of the sale over €4.5m (£3.8m) — they’re also aware of talks ongoing, nothing sealed yet.”
Riccardo Calafiori will be a long-term signing for Arsenal
Calafiori’s contract will run for five years, until he is 27, and if he performs well, Arsenal will aim to extend this deal within the next two to three years, following a proactive precedent set by Edu Gaspar over the current squad’s contracts.
It is clear that whilst Calafiori will offer quality in the short-term, Arsenal see him as a player who can grace the pitch at the Emirates for years to come.
He will join a back line containing William Saliba, and Arsenal look incredibly well-stocked in defence for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal will have to pay a somewhat inflated fee for Calafiori given that a chunk of the fee will go to FC Basel, but if he fulfils his potential, it will be worth the premium.
Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori and mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent victory over Slovakia at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featuring again, Man City star Kyle Walker came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal also linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours surrounding a potential Arsenal move for a Germany International were also addressed, with some candidates named.
