Arsenal agree personal terms with Calafiori, agreement ‘within a few hours’ | OneFootball

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori and a transfer could be finalised within a few hours, according to Corriere di Bologna.

The Gunners have identified Calafiori as their prime defensive target and the club reportedly have a ‘clear advantage’ in the race to sign the Italy international.

Arsenal have agreed a five-year contract worth £2.97 million per year. They made an initial £39.8m bid for Calafiori and are now expected to meet the £46.6m asking price.

Barring any last-minute hurdles, Arsenal have been tipped to close the deal ‘within a few hours’.

Calafiori shows Arsenal’s ambition to improve

The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season. They conceded just 29 goals, keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets.

Despite this, the hierarchy wants to strengthen the backline. They are currently on the verge of signing Calafiori, who can operate in central defence or at left-back.

The 22-year-old started his career as a regular left-back and he could make the position his own next season if he can quickly adapt to the league.

Calafiori looks well suited with his strong distribution skills, defensive attributes and aerial presence.

The Italian star had a passing accuracy of 90 percent in Serie A last season with an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and 6.5 ball recoveries.

The Roma graduate won 71 percent of his aerial duels. He would be an upgrade on Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.