Arsenal push to complete 3rd summer signing this week | OneFootball

Arsenal want to get a deal done for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori this week, with the two clubs on the verge of an agreement.

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Salernitana at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 01, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal want to finalise their deal for Riccardo Calafiori this week, and they’re getting closer to an agreement with Bologna.

The two clubs are reportedly on the verge of agreeing on a €50m (£42.3m) fee, though they’re still working on the structure of the deal.

The fixed fee, the add-ons, and the payment terms are all still being discussed, but with the intention of a full agreement this week.

From Calafiori’s side, there are no issues. Personal terms have been agreed on a contract to 2029, he wants to join Arsenal, he’s just waiting for the green light from the club-to-club talks.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at the training ground at Hemberg-Stadion on June 23, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Romano isn’t the only journalist reporting that Arsenal want to get things done quickly. Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reports that Arsenal are attempting to push through a deal before their pre-season tour of the USA begins, with the squad flying out next week.

Calafiori was away at Euro 2024 with Italy, impressing in the group stage of the tournament, but Italy were eliminated by Switzerland on June 29th – with Calafiori serving a yellow-card suspension at the time.

As a result, the defender will have had time for a three-week holiday before Arsenal fly off to the United States, with the flight reportedly set for July 21st. If the deal is done quickly, he could play a substantial role in pre-season.

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC celebrates after the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 03, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Chelsea were previously in the mix for Calafiori as well, but the player was always clear that he wants to join Arsenal. The Blues had to move on and sign Renato Veiga from FC Basel instead.

On Basel, Calafiori’s former club have a sell-on clause worth 50% of the sale over €4.5m, and they’re being kept up to date on negotiations. If Bologna get the €50m they want, Basel would receive half of the €45.5m profit.

Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24. As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back.

Calafiori would be Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, having already brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard as well as signing David Raya from Brentford on a permanent deal.