Arsenal are on the verge of completing their first major signing of the summer transfer window, with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori set to join the club. All agreements are now in place for the 22-year-old Italian international to make the move to North London.
According to The Athletic, the deal is essentially done, pending medical checks and final paperwork. If everything proceeds as expected, Calafiori could soon join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Calafiori, who began his career as a left-back but has recently impressed at center-back, was identified as a transfer priority by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have been working to accelerate the acquisition in recent days.
The transfer fee is reported to be around £40 million, with Bologna’s former club Basel entitled to a significant sell-on clause of 40-50% from the deal. This clause was negotiated when Calafiori moved from Basel to Bologna in 2023.
Calafiori played a key role in Bologna’s successful 2023-24 season, helping the team secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Italian national team, where he started all three group stage matches at Euro 2024.
This signing represents Arsenal’s first major addition to the squad this summer, following goalkeeper David Raya’s loan from Brentford being made permanent. The Gunners have also seen some departures, with Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares leaving at the end of their contracts, while Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have moved on loan to Sevilla and Lazio respectively.
