Arsenal now ‘waiting’ for Riccardo Calafiori transfer ‘green light’ after latest pre-season twist

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Arsenal are on the verge of signing Riccardo Calafiori, with just one issue now preventing confirmation of the transfer.

Arsenal have been chasing the signature of Riccardo Calafiori for some time. 

However, Mikel Arteta is now tantalisingly close to getting his man. Arsenal agreed personal terms with Calafiori some time ago, but agreeing a fee with Bologna was then then a sticking point.

Arsenal sporting director Edu recently agreed a price for Calafiori with the Serie A club, but still there is a delaying factor that endures. 

Bologna are still to finalise the terms of a sell-on clause with Basel. However, Calafiori’s pre-season actions suggest that the Gunners have now finally all but gotten this deal over the line.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal still waiting on Bologna deal despite Riccardo Calafiori pre-season absence

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X: “Riccardo Calafiori did not get called up for Bologna duties after returning from holidays. Arsenal and Bologna agreed on €40m plus €5m deal with sell-on clause also included, Calafiori agreed on five year deal with [Arsenal].

“Just waiting for Bologna and Basel green light.”

The fact that the 22-year-old has not reported back for pre-season duties with the Italian club suggests that his exit is very much imminent.

However, Arteta will be on tenterhooks until Bologna and Basel can reach some kind of accord.

Arteta will be desperately hoping that Calafiori can sign for Arsenal in time to join up with the squad on their pre-season tour. This would give the 5-cap Italy international an opportunity to get to know his teammates and adapt to the manager’s tactics as soon as possible. 

Arsenal must focus on transfer targets other than Calafiori

With personal terms and a fee agreed for Calafiori, Arsenal can now turn their attention to other transfer targets. The Gunners still need to add new faces in the middle of the park and to their attacking contingent.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Mikel Merino, but are yet to make contact with Real Sociedad to begin negotiations for the midfielder. 

On top of that, Arsenal remain in the race to sign Nico Williams, but Barcelona are the current favourites to prise the winger away from Athletic Bilbao.