Arsenal could reportedly see their attempt to sign a rumoured transfer target potentially muddied by Manchester United and super-agent Kia Joorabchian.
The Iranian-born football representative has a complicated history with Arsenal following Joorabchian’s involvement in deals for the likes of Willian, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares, with the agent once having strong influence over the Gunners’ transfers.
This era of the club, though, is now thankfully behind us, with Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar working together on transfer to great success in the last three years, a partnership that has seen Arsenal transform into one of the best sides in Europe.
Yet Joorabchian could now inadvertently cause Arsenal problems in their bid to sign a rumoured target.
Joshua Zirkzee move to Manchester United could impact Arsenal’s pursuit for Riccardo Calafiori
According to Corriere dello Sport, United’s move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is represented by Joorabchian, could lead to the Serie A side increasing their asking price for Riccardo Calafiori, who Arsenal are believed to have made a €47m (£40m) move for this week.
Reports this summer have already indicated that Joorabchian is due quite a substantial amount in agent fees if Zirkzee was to leave Bologna, with United now leading the chase for the Dutch international, despite interest from Arsenal.
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As a result, though, the north London side could now see their move for Calafiori greatly impacted, with Arsenal pushing hard to sign the 22-year-old defender having already been recommended the Italian international by Jorginho.
Indeed, with Arsenal moving with intent to sign Calafiori, there’s always a chance that the defender could end up joining the Gunners before United reach an agreement for Zirkzee, an outcome that could benefit the north London side greatly this summer.
Calafiori ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal this summer
A left-sided centre-back with the ability to play at left-back is high up on Arsenal’s wishlist this summer in the transfer market, and after his performances at the Euros, Calafiori ticks a lot of boxes for the Gunners.
The defender has enjoyed a breakout year after playing a key role for Bologna in their historic UEFA Champions League finish, with Calafiori then going one step further and flourishing for Italy at the Euros this summer.
And for Arsenal, they must move as fast as possible to sign Calafiori, who at 22 could be part of Arteta’s future defence and a welcome addition to the north London side and their options at the back.
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