Arsenal fans are delighted with Edu Gaspar as Riccardo Calafiori fee confirmed, he’s secured a bargain

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Arsenal are now closing in on the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori after reaching a breakthrough in negotiations.

The 22-year-old has been targeted by Arsenal after an outstanding campaign for Bologna in Serie A and bright displays with Italy at Euro 2024.

Calafiori played at centre-back for Bologna last season in a back three, but played at left-back and left wing-back for Basel, and it is anticipated that he will play on the left under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal were locked in negotiations with Bologna for a while as problems over his sell-on clause held up the deal, but they are now set to confirm his arrival, and with the Italian joining for a lower fee than anticipated, fans have praised director Edu Gaspar.

Arsenal fans praise Edu Gaspar as Riccardo Calafiori deal agreed

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Calafiori will join for an initial €40m (£33.7m), with €5m (£4.2m) in addons, which is less than the previously reported fees of over £43m upfront suggested.

Fans have now praised Edu for securing what appears to be a bargain fee, with the sometimes criticised director negotiating his fee down after a few weeks of talks.

“£33.7m + £4.2m in add ons for Riccardo Calafiori. Edu masterclass,” one fan posted on X.

“£33.7m + £4.2m in add ons for Riccardo Calafiori after then wanted closer to £50m. May your apologies to Edu be as loud as the disrespect,” another added.

“A base fee of £34m for Calafiori is seriously good business. Pays to have the players wishes and a little bit of patience. Great piece of work by Edu,” another posted.

“Give Edu and the team their flowers €40m/€45m one of the sort after defenders after the euros is wonderful business Considering what he could have gone for That’s a steal,” one posted.

“£33+5m is a superb piece of business for Riccardo Calafiori and again shows Edu’s ability to bring quality into Arsenal. Held his nerve, knowing the player only wanted us, but still got it over the line in time for the US tour,” another fan pointed out.

Riccardo Calafiori will join Arsenal for less than £34m

This fee is lower than what Arsenal paid for Jurrien Timber last year, and only just higher than what they parted with to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City two years ago.

For a defender in high demand after a stellar Euros campaign, with a hefty sell-on clause from his old club and years on his contract, securing him at such a low fee is excellent business from Arsenal and Edu, and he deserves credit for managing to pull off such a deal in time for Calafiori to link up with the squad in pre-season.