Arsenal have now developed a concern regarding the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori as boss Mikel Arteta pushes the Emirates Stadium side to sign the Bologna and Italy ace.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a leading target in north London this summer after a strong run at Euro 2024. While Italy lost to Switzerland in the round of 16 amid their defence of the Euro 2020 title, Calafiori enhanced his reputation as Arteta eyes defensive reinforcements.
Calafiori played a vital role in Italy progressing from Group B with a raft of confident displays and personality. He rose to the occasion despite only boasting two caps to the centre-back’s name prior to the European Championship, having also enjoyed a fine season with Bologna.
Arsenal question if Riccardo Calafiori represents value for money
Now, Arsenal are interested in agreeing a transfer with Bologna for Calafiori, who ended the 2023/24 Serie A term with two goals and five assists in 30 appearances. That is according to Ben Jacobs, but he reports that negotiations are proving to be ‘relatively tough’ for Arsenal.
Bologna are giving Arsenal trouble with I Rossoblu determined to stick to their £43m asking price. While the Gunners admire what Calafiori would offer under Arteta in N5, the club are now deciding if they should look elsewhere as he may not represent great value for money.
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Calafiori for his part is sold on a transfer to Arsenal and wants to seal a move if the Gunners overcome any concerns regarding his price. The Rome native is also aware that Juventus will not launch a pursuit over the Bianconeri’s own feelings that his transfer fee is too expensive.
Mikel Arteta is pushing to sign Riccardo Calafiori before July 21
Talks remain ongoing between Arsenal and Bologna to see if they can find common ground regarding Calafiori’s transfer fee. What could also help seal the deal is that Arteta is pushing Arsenal to land Calafiori’s transfer before flying to the USA for a pre-season tour on July 21.
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Arteta is desperate for the defender to arrive in time to join Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the US and settle in ahead of the new Premier League season. Calafiori has even been touted as the ideal signing for the Spaniard’s set-up at Emirates Stadium after earning further interest.
Gianluca Di Marzio believes Calafiori is ‘the perfect defender for Arteta’ and Arsenal and he is totally sold on the transfer. The Italy star even snubbed interest from Chelsea as Calafiori only wants Arsenal after the north London giants sold their project to the five-cap enforcer.
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