Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bologna to sign defender Riccardo Calafiori for a fee expected to be worth a combined £42.1m.
The 22-year-old Italian international is set to become the Gunners’ second signing of the summer transfer window.
Calafiori, who starred for Italy at Euro 2024, has been a top target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The player himself was keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and gave his word he would join the Gunners.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue in finalizing the transfer.
Bologna have been holding out for the £42.1m figure, and discussions continue over the payment structure and clauses.
However, an agreement on many aspects of the deal is in place, with only a few details left to be ironed out.
The move is a significant coup for Arsenal, as Calafiori was also pursued by another Premier League club, as well as Juventus and Real Madrid in the last 10 days.
His former club Basel will receive 50% of Bologna’s profit from the sale.
Calafiori’s arrival will bolster Arsenal’s defensive options, particularly at left-back, where Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled to make the same impact last season.
The young defender’s impressive performances at Euro 2024 have further enhanced his reputation, with Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci praising him as a player who will be a “point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years”.
With the Calafiori deal nearing completion, Arsenal are already planning further transfers, with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino and Nico Williams of Athletic Club also on Arteta’s radar.
The Gunners are also focused on sanctioning several exits ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
