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Arsenal close to agreeing deal in principle for Bologna defender

Published

2 years ago

Arsenal are suffering a delay in their move for Riccardo Calafiori due to a disagreement between Bologna and the defender’s former club

Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal in principle with Bologna over the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Bologna have been holding out for €50m (£42.2m) and Sky Italy are reporting discussions continue over a payment structure and clauses.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem. Calafiori’s former club Basel stand to make 50 per cent of Bologna’s profit on any deal.

Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Riccardo Calafiori has been named in the Italy squad for the first time after Bologna's impressive season. The squad will be reduced to 26 players by June 6.

Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio believes Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori wants a move to Arsenal this summer.
The 22-year-old defender shone at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s early exit in Germany, with his presence sorely missed through suspension in the then-holders’ last-16 exit to Switzerland