Arsenal close to signing Calafiori, personal terms agreed | OneFootball

Arsenal expect to complete the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori within 24 to 48 hours, according to Calciomercato.

The Gunners have already agreed terms over a five-year deal with the Italy international and are currently discussing the transfer package with Bologna.

Arsenal reportedly ‘expect’ to close the operation soon. They will pay a fee of around €50 million (£42m) plus add-ons.

Basel will be owed 40 percent of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause.

Arsenal on the cusp of landing Calafiori

The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window, but they are likely to things up with their first pre-season game in just over two weeks.

The club are negotiating with Bologna over the payment terms for Calafiori and will be aiming for a quick deal so he can undergo his medical.

Calafiori had a superb debut season with the Serie A outfit last term. He had a passing accuracy of 90 percent with an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 6.5 recoveries.

The 22-year-old made 2.5 clearances per outing and won 71 percent of his aerial duels. He primarily operated as a centre-back for Bologna but played a handful of games at left-back.

The former Basel man registered seven goal contributions from 37 outings.

Calafiori was primarily a left-back during his formative years at Roma and Basel. Arsenal will likely consider him for the same role under manager Mikel Arteta next season.

It will be interesting to see how the Italian fares in the Premier League. He will have to adapt to the higher intensity compared to Serie A which is less intense and more tactical.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.