Riccardo Calafiori is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal after the club reached an agreement in principle with Bologna for his transfer. The Gunners plan for the 22-year-old defender to join their squad for the US pre-season tour.
Arsenal played a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Thursday morning and will face Manchester United on Saturday. They will then travel to Philadelphia to play Liverpool on July 31. The deal for the versatile Italian defender, who can play both centre-back and left-back, is believed to be worth around £42 million.
Calafiori will be the first addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer. He played a crucial role last season in helping Bologna secure Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades. Additionally, Calafiori shone during Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all three group-stage matches.
His former club, Basel, is entitled to a sell-on clause of between 40 and 50 percent. Calafiori’s arrival could expedite the departure of Jakub Kiwior, who is admired by Inter Milan.
Following Italy’s participation in Euro 2024, where they were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Denmark, Calafiori has been on an extended summer break. He has earned a total of five caps for Italy, three of which came during the European Championship in Germany.
Arsenal’s only senior signing this summer has been goalkeeper David Raya, who joined permanently from Brentford following his loan spell last season. Calafiori’s versatility could prove to be a significant asset for Arteta, who values players capable of operating in multiple positions.
