Arsenal rsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on making this three transfer happen 

strong, young players like him leave our league. €45million as a valuation is a huge sum, but the defenders are paid even more. I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game.

‘Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran forty meters, took on the defence and passed the ball. These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage, and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do.’

Arsenal rsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on making the transfer happen

Fabrizio Romano has reported that a personal agreement between Arsenal and Calafiori will be no issue. The centre-half has apparently admitted that he is obsessed with the project the Gunners are undertaking and that he believes Arteta is someone he wants to work under and a top coach.

The transfer fee is now essentially the only thing to be negotiated with Bologna. An initial £42million is said to be the current offer, with the finer details yet to be finalised between the two clubs.

Calafiori clearly wishes to be an Arsenal player next season, and a deal could be wrapped up quickly amid reports that the Gunners hope he can join them on their preseason tour of the USA – meaning the defender would have to sign by July 21st.