Arsenal are on the brink of finalising a significant deal to bring Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium, marking their first major signing of the summer.
The deal, reported to be worth around €50million, is expected to be sealed next week, following an intense period of negotiations.
Fabrizio Romano, a well-respected football transfer expert, reported that Arsenal are pushing to complete the transfer of the Italian defender, with the final round of talks already scheduled. The Gunners are optimistic about the outcome, as Calafiori has expressed a strong desire to join the North London club. He is enthusiastic about Arsenal’s project and has agreed to a contract that will see him stay at the club until June 2029, earning €4 million net per season.
It has also been reported by Nicolo Schira that Arsenal have already agreed the fee for Calafiori with Bologna, with a deal set to be concluded on July 19 after the player returns from his holidays.
Calafiori’s versatility makes him a valuable addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. Able to play as a left-back, he’s most recently been used more as a left centre-back, providing a rotational option for Gabriel Magalhães.
His confidence on the ball, ability to carry it forward, and composure under pressure make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s playing style and seemingly an ideal fit for the left-back spot, an area that not one player was able to claim as their own last season. Additionally, his aerial prowess will add to Arsenal’s defensive capabilities and ever-growing set piece threat.
This transfer is seen as a significant step in Arsenal’s ongoing rebuild, as they aim to compete at the highest levels domestically and in Europe. The club’s commitment to securing young, talented players like Calafiori (22) underscores their strategy of building a team capable of sustained success.
He follows in the footsteps of recent strategic buys of players in their early 20’s, capable of playing in a couple of positions and possessing certain skills, for example ball carrying ability, an attribute Calafiori is deceptively good at.
Calafiori’s arrival is expected to bolster the team’s defensive depth and provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility. With the Italian’s talent and potential, Arsenal supporters have reason to be excited about the upcoming season.