**Arsenal Agree Deal with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori**

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal with Bologna for the transfer of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 24-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back or left-back, making him a valuable asset for the Gunners.

Calafiori will not be participating in Bologna’s pre-season preparations, fueling speculation that the transfer is imminent. According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is worth €40m (£33.7m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons, with a sell-on clause also included.

The Italian defender has five international caps, three of which came at Euro 2024. He missed Italy’s defeat against Switzerland in the round of 16 due to suspension. Calafiori has made 33 appearances for Bologna and helped the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

**Calafiori’s Versatility a Major Asset**

Mikel Arteta looks set to add the Italian defender to his ranks after the deal was agreed. Calafiori’s versatility could make him a major asset for Arteta, who likes his players to be able to operate in different positions.

Arsenal’s only senior signing so far this summer has been David Raya, with the goalkeeper joining permanently from Brentford following his loan spell last season. Calafiori’s transfer would be a significant boost to the Gunners’ squad ahead of the new season.

**Deal Edges Closer to Completion**

The transfer appears to be edging closer to being finalized with Calafiori’s name nowhere to be seen on the squad list for Bologna’s training camp in Valles, Rio Pusteria. Bologna and Basel need to agree on the sell-on payment terms as the final step in the deal.

Calafiori joined Bologna from Basel last year for just £3.4million, and the Swiss club will receive 50% of Bologna’s profit if he moves. The defender came through the ranks at Roma, for whom he made 18 senior appearances, and also had a loan spell at Genoa prior to signing for Basel in 2022.

Riccardo Calafiori has not been included in Bologna’s squad for their pre-season camp

Calafiori’s name was not on the squad list

Mikel Arteta looks set to add the Italian defender to his ranks after a deal was agreed