Arsenal and Bologna have agreed a transfer agreement of 50–55 million euros for the defender Riccardo Calafiori. This is according to unique information obtained by CaughtOffside.

Significant progress has also been made in the personal negotiations between Calafiori and the Gunners; a long-term contract through 2029 and a salary of 3.5 million euros per season are virtually agreed upon.

Calafiori was reportedly viewed favourably by both Chelsea and PSG, according to Gianluca Di Marzio and Tancredi Palmeri. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta, the Spanish coach, not only conveyed his desire to acquire Calafiori, but also provided the Italian player with a comprehensive development plan.

Calafiori is a vital member of coach Thiago Motta’s team, having played a major role in the triumph that secured Bologna Club’s spot in the 2024–2025 Champions League.

During the Italian team’s EURO 2024 campaign, this young talent left a lasting impression thanks to his combination of skillful defensive play and adaptability as an attacker.

Calafiori was the player who made the breakthrough in the middle, and he later assisted Mattia Zaccagni in equalising Italy’s goal against Croatia in injury time, helping the blue team qualify for the tournament. EURO 2024 elimination round

Calafiori did not sign with Arsenal merely to provide depth; rather, he will probably take the place of Jakub Kiwior, who can go back to Italy.

Calafiori will be the starting left winger since Oleksandr Zinchenko is no longer a left-back in the starting lineup and Jurrien Timber has just returned from a ligament injury.

Depending on the deployment stage, Arsenal may easily switch to a back three with Ben White in the inside role, much like when Partey played right back at the start of the season or at the conclusion. Simply put, Mikel Arteta is searching for someone of higher calibre.
Arsenal to Sign Riccardo Calafiori: A Transfer AnalysisArsenal agrees to pay Riccardo Calafiori’s asking price from Bologna