Riccardo Calafiori has recently emerged as a target for Arsenal regardless of the Italian being Chelsea’s main transfer target of the June 2024 window as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his backline.
The 22-year-old defender continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following his impressive performances for Italy at the ongoing Euro 2024.
Despite exiting the tournament in the first knockout round, Calafiori caught the eye of different clubs in Europe and according to Sports Journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta has given Arsenal the green light to sign Calafiori making the Gunners possible favourites even though Chelsea had shown initial interest.
Is Riccardo Calafiori Joining Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori, the talented 22-year-old Italian defender, has caught Arsenal’s attention as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his defensive lineup. Following his impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024, the young centre-back is heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
Arteta has reportedly given the go-ahead for Arsenal to pursue Calafiori, with a long-term proposal already presented to the player. The Italian is said to be open to joining Arsenal, who have a ‘good relationship’ with Bologna following the previous signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu from the Italian outfit in August 2021.
What are Bologna’s demands for Calafiori?
Bologna has set a price tag of €50m (£42.3m) for Calafiori. Despite significant interest from Arsenal, no formal bid has been made yet. The Serie A club, which signed Calafiori for just £4m last summer, is considering offers but has expressed a desire to keep him unless a substantial offer comes in.
Interestingly, the Italian journalist has previously reported that Basel which is the defender’s former club are entitled to 40 per cent of a future sale over €6m (£5.1m).
In theory, Bologna could maximize their returns by accepting a lower fee plus a player from Chelsea rather than a full cash offer from Arsenal. By taking the Blues’ proposal, Basel would receive a lower sell-on fee, and the Serie A club would sign a player to keep or sell for full profit in the future.
How does Chelsea’s interest Affect the Deal?
Chelsea has also shown interest in Calafiori and is willing to include players in a player-plus-cash deal to secure his transfer. This approach could potentially be more lucrative for Bologna, as it would reduce the sell-on fee owed to Basel, Calafiori’s former club. Accepting Chelsea’s proposal might also allow Bologna to sign a player they can either keep or sell for full profit in the future.
What Is Calafiori’s future according to Bologna?
Giovanni Sartori, Bologna’s technical director, has stated that the club aims to retain Calafiori but will consider significant offers. While he doesn’t expect Calafiori to join Juventus, Sartori believes the defender might move to a different market, indicating the possibility of a transfer to the Premier League.
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