Arsenal has reached an agreement with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori after overcoming a major negotiation hurdle. However, the deal is still pending due to an external complication beyond Arsenal’s control.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed that Arsenal’s discussions with Bologna for Calafiori, their primary defensive target, have finally advanced after a recent stall.
The clubs have agreed on a fee of €40 million, plus €5 million in add-ons, translating to about £33.7 million initially and £37.9 million in total.
Additionally, Arsenal has accepted a sell-on clause for Calafiori, who was pivotal for Italy in Euro 2024 until their early exit. However, a pre-existing agreement with Basel, Calafiori’s previous club, complicates the transfer. Bologna signed Calafiori from Basel for €4 million last year, including a 50% sell-on clause for Basel.
Calafiori’s impressive performance during the 2023-24 season, which helped Bologna secure their first Champions League qualification, significantly boosted his market value.
Now, Bologna and Basel are negotiating to adjust the sell-on clause, as Bologna stands to net only €20 million from the €40 million fee. Discussions have stalled because Basel, set to receive €20 million, one of their highest fees, is not actively selling Calafiori.
Despite the hold-up, Calafiori has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal and is ready to sign a five-year contract lasting until 2029. He still needs to pass a medical examination, but the current focus is on resolving the financial dispute between Bologna and Basel.
If Calafiori’s transfer to Arsenal is finalized, he would be their second signing of the summer, following the permanent acquisition of David Raya. It remains to be seen how Mikel Arteta plans to use Calafiori.
Arsenal’s manager had a strong center-back pairing with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes last season. Calafiori, originally a left-back from Roma’s academy, may be deployed in his initial position due to limited options at left-back for Arsenal.
Over the past year, Calafiori has refined his game, potentially allowing him to play a role similar to Benjamin White on Arsenal’s right side rather than reverting to his earlier style.
For now, Arteta and Arsenal must wait for Bologna and Basel to resolve their negotiations before making tactical plans involving Calafiori.
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