SUNDAY MORNING DEAL: Arsenal have just submitted an improved offer to sign 24yr superstar, Arteta wants Him for Key premier league project, personal terms already agreed
Arsenal is on the brink of securing their second acquisition of the summer transfer window, with Bologna’s defender Riccardo Calafiori expected to join the Emirates Stadium soon. The Italian player’s impressive performances at Euro 2024 have made him a highly sought-after asset, enhancing Arsenal’s defensive lineup.
Although negotiations are still in progress, Calafiori seems poised to follow David Raya, who Arsenal signed from Brentford earlier this summer. Reports from Corriere dello Sport, as cited by Football Italia, indicate that Arsenal has yet to meet Bologna’s €50 million valuation for Calafiori. However, discussions between the two clubs are anticipated to continue.
Should the deal be finalized, Calafiori is set to sign a five-year contract with Arsenal, earning approximately €4 million annually. His arrival would be a significant boost for the club, providing a reliable partner for William Saliba at the heart of the defense. Calafiori’s adept defensive capabilities and his proficiency in distributing the ball from the back align well with Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach.
Giovanni Sartori, Bologna’s head of transfers, recently remarked that Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League than to Juventus, despite the player’s preference for the latter. Sartori confirmed Bologna’s openness to considering substantial offers for the defender.
Initially linked with Liverpool, Calafiori now appears to be nearing a move to Arsenal, pending agreement on the transfer fee. This acquisition would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s defensive options, reinforcing their ambitions to compete for the Premier League title. Calafiori, regarded as one of the premier young defenders globally, would greatly enhance Arsenal’s defensive solidity and overall squad depth.
In a separate transfer narrative, Arsenal is monitoring Nico Williams, a winger favored by Mikel Arteta should the club decide to bolster their attacking options. Alongside interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, Barcelona is reportedly Williams’ preferred destination. However, uncertainties remain regarding his move from the Basque Country to Catalunya.
Williams has set a personal deadline for his future to be resolved by early August, despite reports from SPORT suggesting he is not entertaining offers from other clubs. With a £47 million release clause, Williams represents an attainable target for Arsenal. The prospect of Champions League football could also provide Arsenal with an advantage over Chelsea. Furthermore, having a Spanish-speaking manager keen on signing him might give Arsenal an edge over Liverpool if Barcelona fails to secure a deal.
Although Arsenal does not urgently need a winger, they are prepared to act swiftly should the opportunity arise to sign Williams, demonstrating their strategic approach to strengthening the squad.
