🔊⚪🔴JUBILATION AT EMIRATES : Arsenal land perfectly timed Riccardo✍️ Calafiori transfer breakthrough after Edu masterclass✅

Arsenal transfer news as the Gunners now close in on a deal to bring Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Bologna to sign 22-year-old defender Riccardo Calafiori, reports suggest. The player will cost the Gunners almost £40million after the two clubs found a middle ground with regards to a payment structure.

Calafiori had finalised personal terms weeks ago and is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium. Progress quickly slowed though despite Italy’s early exit from Euro 2024 with Bologna looking to get a favourable deal due to their hefty sell-on clause.

The Serie A outfit will owe Calafiori’s former club Basel 50% of the fee they receive. According to Fabrizio Romano, this is now the only remaining hurdle before a transfer is completed.

It is said that they will pay £33.7milion for Calafiori plus £4.2million in add-ons. He will become the second summer signing for Arsenal after David Raya was confirmed as having joined on a permanent move following his loan last season.

Calafiori’s arrival could also open up Jakub Kiwior to an exit from the Emirates Stadium. Clubs in Italy are snapping around for him and the Poland international is keen to keep developing but would see his game time reduced with Calafiori coming in as competition.

After plenty of negotiating, things may well now be starting to kick into gear for Arsenal. The key factor in all this? Romano claims that Calafiori’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, has played a key role recently, discussing the deal behind the scenes and holding positive talks.