Arsenal are looking to bring in a new defender ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad, with a signing of Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori said to be one of his top priorities.
The Gunners lost by two points to Manchester City in the 2023/24 Premier League title race, and a solid defence was a key part of their challenge.
French star William Saliba was an ever-present, making 38 Premier League starts, while fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes also made 34 starts.
However, Arteta is determined to have cover and depth in his defensive line ahead of a busy campaign, and Calafiori has seemingly been identified as a perfect option, due to his versatility to play as a central defender and left-back.
Riccardo Calafiori for Bologna during the 2023/24 Serie A campaign:
◉ Most possessions won (194)
◉ Most aerial duels won (60)
◉ More interceptions (50)
◉ More assists (5)⤵️ The season in numbers image.twitter.com/JllWJKKlG1
— Squawk (@Squawk) July 3, 2024
The 22-year-old was the anchor of Bologna’s defence last season as Thiago Motta guided his side to fifth place in Serie A and a first-place UEFA Champions League qualification finish.
However, the Italian side are believed to be willing to sell their star asset due to pressure to comply with UEFA’s financial rules this summer.
Could the contract clause affect Arsenal’s bid to sign Calafiori?
Bologna are reportedly demanding the full £42 million ($54.5m) price for Calafiori, while Arsenal are only offering £34m so far.
According to statements by the London Evening Standard newspaperArsenal will have to increase their offer as Bologna are not willing to change their stance.
The main reason for Bologna’s insistence centres on a clause in Calafiori’s current contract, which obliges them to pay 50 per cent of any transfer to his former club, Basel.
As rumours of negotiations continue, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Bologna were willing to accept Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as part of a deal, but the Poland international is still assessing his options amid links to AC Milan.
??⚪️ Bologna have enquired about Jakub Kiwior during talks with Arsenal over Riccardo Calafiori, but the Polish defender is currently not keen on the move.
Calafiori is still waiting for Arsenal.
↪️?? Kiwior could leave Arsenal on loan with a mandatory buyout clause, it was reported in June. image.twitter.com/mo4lnf1YFl
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2024
Calafiori has returned to pre-season training in Bologna and Arsenal will step up their preparations for a friendly against Bournemouth on July 24.
