Arsenal Close To Agreeing Deal In Principle For Bologna Defender Calafiori

Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal in principle with Bologna over the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Bologna have been holding out for €50m (£42.2m) and Sky Italy are reporting discussions continue over a payment structure and clauses.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem. Calafiori’s former club Basel stand to make 50 per cent of Bologna’s profit on any deal.

The 22-year-old defender shone at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s early exit in Germany, with his presence sorely missed through suspension in the then-holders’ last-16 exit to Switzerland.

Left-back is an area to address, with Oleksandr Zinchenko not having the same impact last term. In addition to Calafiori, David Raya has completed a permanent move but attacking additions cannot be ruled out if Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe move on as expected.