Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal latest as new update emerges on summer signing

Arsenal are continuing to be linked with a move for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Reports in recent weeks have highlighted that the Gunners are interested in bringing the Italy international to the Emirates Stadium.

football.london understands that Arsenal are keen to sign Calafiori this summer but a deal is yet to be fully agreed.

It has been suggested in recent days that Calafiori has already reached an agreement over personal terms to move to North London.

Uncertainty over the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko led to the speculation of Arsenal showing an interest in signing Calfiori, who can play either as a centre-back or left-back.

Now, a fresh update has emerged on Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori this summer. According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the defender is now just “one step away” from completing a move to the Gunners and snubbing a transfer to Juventus and Chelsea in the process.

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The report claims that Arsenal will pay €53 million (£45 million) to sign Calafiori from Bologna. It has been stated that the versatile defender will put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2029.

It has been widely reported that Bologna have a preference of not allowing Calafiori to join another Italian club, which explains why a move to Juventus has not happened. As well as Arsenal, the Gunners have been facing competition from Chelsea and Liverpool for Calafiori’s signature if reports are to be believed.

Arsenal are yet to complete their first signing of the summer, but it is becoming increasingly likely that Calafiori could be the first player to complete a move to the Emirates. Calafiori is currently on his summer break after starring for Italy at Euro 2024 until his country’s defeat in the last-16 at the hands of Switzerland.