Riccardo Calafiori set to endure Arsenal medical forward of £42m transfer
- The Bologna defender is set to undergo his medical at Arsenal imminently
- Riccardo Calafiori is expected to complete his £42m move to the Gunners
- The Italy defender will then travel to America to link-up with Mikel Arteta’s team
Riccardo Calafiori is set to have his medical with Arsenal as the defender’s move from Bologna is agreed in principle.
The Gunners intend for the 22-year-old to join the squad for their US pre-season tour.
Arsenal are in Los Angeles for Wednesday’s match against Bournemouth and face Manchester United on Saturday. They then head to Philadelphia to play Liverpool on July 31.
The deal for the versatile Italian defender, who can play at centre back or left back, is believed to be worth around £42million.
Calafiori will be the first addition to Arteta’s squad this summer. He was a key player last season for Bologna, the Serie A team securing Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is set to reportedly undergo his medical at Arsenal
Calafiori was left out of Bologna’s squad for their upcoming pre-season training camp after starring at Euro 2024 with Italy
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been keen to bring in reinforcements during the summer window
Calafiori then shone in Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all three group-stage matches.
His former side Basel are entitled to a sell-on clause of between 40 and 50 per cent.
The move could now accelerate an exit for Jakub Kiwior, who is admired by Inter Milan.
Calafiori joined Bologna from Basel last year for just £3.4million and the Swiss club will receive 50 per cent of Bologna’s profit when his move to Arsenal is completed
Calafiori has been on an extended summer break following Italy’s participation in Euro 2024 where the former champions were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Denmark.
Capable of playing at centre-back or left-back, he made a total of five Italy caps, three of which came at the European Championship in Germany.
Arsenal’s only senior signing so far this summer has been David Raya, with the goalkeeper joining permanently from Brentford following his loan spell last season.
Calafiori’s versatility could make him a major asset for Arteta, who likes for his players to be able to operate in different positions.
