Despite recent reports of the deal stalling, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bologna for the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori. According to David Ornstein, the Gunners were finally able to make a breakthrough and sign the defender.
Riccardo Calafiori to Sign for Arsenal as First Real Summer Transfer
Riccardo Calafiori to Become Key Part of Arsenal’s Defence
Bologna’s star defender is all set to join the North London outfit in a deal worth £33.7 million plus £4.2 million in bonuses and a sell-on clause. There were a few minor disagreements over the price tag, but the transfer talks were brought to a successful end, with the player’s agent Alessandro Lucci playing a crucial role in the final stages.
The player still needs to do his medical, but it is “deal essentially done” per Ornstein. Both clubs were fully invested in closing the deal as the Gunners had identified Calafiori as a priority defensive target, and Bologna were determined to sell him only to a club outside Italy.
Read More: Arsenal’s ‘Exciting Offensive Talent’ Receives Interest From London Rivals
Calafiori’s former club, Basel, will receive 50% of the transfer fee. The Swiss side included a sell-on clause in the deal under which he was sold to Bologna, keeping the player’s potential in mind.
Considered the perfect solution to their left-back woes, the 22-year-old is expected to become a regular starter at Arsenal. The Italian is a good passer of the ball and an even better defender. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is preferred over Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.
Eager to Play Under Arteta
Calafiori held talks with Mikel Arteta and was reportedly impressed by the project at Arsenal. Consequently, discussions over personal terms progressed smoothly. The defender will sign a five-year contract running until June 2029 and earn £3.3 million per annum in wages.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claimed the defender rejected Chelsea so that he could play for Arsenal. He said: “If they get Calafiori, they will get the perfect Premier League defender. He wants Arsenal. In his mind, it was only Arsenal. Even Chelsea tried to get him, but the player said no, I want Arsenal”.
Read More: Arsenal Reject Bid For Midfielder With ‘Killer Instinct’ As Suitors Keep Chasing
Arsenal had to fight off competition from the likes of Juventus and Chelsea. While the Blues weren’t a real threat, the Old Lady did pose a serious challenge initially. But Bologna’s director refused to sell Calafiori to a local rival due to the Thiago Motta saga which had caused bad blood between the two Italian clubs.
Arsenal fans will be delighted with this outcome, as the club add the “perfect defender” to an already impressive backline.
