Arsenal have opened talks with Bologna over a deal to sign defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports.
Calafiori, 22, rose to international fame this summer after a sensational Serie A campaign, producing impressive displays for Italy at Euro 2024 before his side’s exit at the last 16.
With Calafiori’s focus now returning to the future of his team, the Daily Mail Arsenal have been in contact with Bologna to try and do a deal.
Talks are also ongoing with Calafiori’s representatives as the Gunners look to complete a deal and avoid pressure from other Chelsea suitors.
Corriere dello Sport even to mention that Arsenal have already seen a €47m (£39.8m) bid rejected for the defender.
Bologna are said to be holding firm on their €50m (£42.3m) asking price, not least because of the deal which will see Calafiori’s former club, Swiss side Basel, receive 40% of the transfer fee.
Interestingly, during his time at Basel, Calafiori named Chelsea as one of the two Premier League sides he “really likes”.
Key to Calafiori’s appeal is the fact that he is left-footed and comfortable at left-back. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long favored the use of an inverted full-back, while new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also likes his wide defenders to be capable in central areas.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool have all been tipped to be interested in Calafiori, but it is Arsenal and Chelsea who are making the biggest push at this point.
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