The summer transfer of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna to Arsenal has ignited a complex legal dispute involving his former clubs, Roma and Basel. After an impressive season with Bologna and a standout performance at the European Championship, Calafiori made headlines when he was sold to Arsenal for a reported fee of 50 million euros. However, Calciomercato report that this deal has raised questions regarding the financial arrangements between the three clubs.
Calafiori’s journey began when Bologna acquired him from Basel in 2023 for 4 million euros, alongside a stipulation that Basel would receive 50% of any future profit from his sale. This arrangement came into play when Arsenal purchased the defender, resulting in Basel receiving approximately 23.5 million euros from the transfer.
Roma’s involvement in this saga stems from their previous sale of Calafiori to Basel in 2022 for 1 million euros, which included a clause granting them 40% of any future sale profits. Following Calafiori’s transfer to Bologna, Roma successfully collected this percentage when Bologna sold him to Arsenal.
However, tensions have escalated as Roma believes they are entitled to a payment based on the recent transfer to Arsenal. According to reports, Roma has initiated legal proceedings against Basel, asserting that they should receive 40% of the 23.5 million euros Basel received from Arsenal. “We believe we are owed approximately 9.4 million euros,” a Roma spokesperson stated, highlighting their expectation that the legal battle will conclude in their favor.
Despite Roma’s claims and the legal notice sent to Basel’s management five months ago, no payment has been made. The situation remains unresolved as both clubs navigate this intricate web of agreements and financial obligations.
