Arsenal reach complete agreement to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

Riccardo Calafiori enjoyed a breakout campaign for both club and country last season.

Premier League giants Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, following positive talks between the two sides behind the scenes.

The Gunners are now confident in getting the deal over the line after a breakthrough in negotiations. The Arsenal board have reportedly already agreed on personal terms with the player’s camp. Following the official completion of formalities on the ends of the two clubs, Calafiori is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract until June 2029.

On the other hand, Bologna are expected to receive a total transfer package of around €45 million, half of which will go to Calafiori’s former employers, FC Basel. This is due to the contractual obligation of a 50% sell-on clause which was agreed upon between both clubs during their past deal. The two clubs, Bologna and Basel, are currently settling the payment terms, which also happens to be the final step of this overall deal.

In the 2023–24 season, the 22-year-old defender enjoyed a breakout campaign at Bologna as he made 37 appearances across all competitions, recording an impressive two goals and five assists in the process. His standout performances guided the club to an incredible fifth-place finish in Serie A and secured UEFA Champions League football for the upcoming season.

🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Arsenal and Bologna have reached an agreement for Riccardo Calafiori, after breakthrough revealed earlier!Understand fee is €40m plus €5m add-ons and sell-on clause.Final step needed: Basel and Bologna to agree 50% sell-on payment terms, then… here we go! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/ueCZ3XOu5f

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2024

Riccardo Calafiori was also one of the best players in an otherwise underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign for Italy. He made a total of three appearances and also registered an assist to his name.

The versatile defender can operate in multiple positions across the backline, such as centre-back and left-back. Calafiori’s versatility and composure on the ball make him a perfect fit in Mikel Arteta’s possession-based gameplan at Arsenal.

Earlier in the window, the Italian centre-back was all set to join Juventus on a permanent deal. However, manager Thiago Motta’s summer switch from Bologna to the Old Lady created tensions between the clubs, resulting in the deal falling through.

Bologna have been linked with German centre-back Mats Hummels, who is currently available as a free agent following the expiration of his club contract with Borussia Dortmund. The 35-year-old defender could potentially serve as a short-term replacement for the departing Riccardo Calafiori.

On the other hand, Arsenal are set to focus on potential midfielder and striker targets for the remaining window following the completion of this deal.

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