Why Calafiori’s Arsenal transfer is not yet a done deal

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JUNE 15: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy controls the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Italy and Albania at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 15, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Multiple sources claim Riccardo Calafiori has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but Bologna have not yet accepted the Gunners’ offer.

Italy international Calafiori is on the verge of joining Arsenal, but the defender’s club, Bologna, have not yet given the green light.

Saturday’s printed edition of Il Corriere dello Sport, on page 17, reports that Arsenal have not yet matched the Rossoblu’s €50m asking price. They are close but not quite there yet, so negotiations between the two clubs must continue.

Why Calafiori’s Arsenal transfer is not yet a done deal

Tuttosport, on page 15, adds that bonuses and add-ons will unlock the deal, allowing Calafiori to join Arsenal. The Italy international is expected to sign a €4m-a-year contract until June 2029.

Calafiori seems destined to join Arsenal anyway, and Gazzetta reported on Friday that the 22-year-old would complete a move to the Emirates Stadium for circa €53m, including bonuses.

Bologna haven’t yet given the green light, but Arsenal are by far the best-placed team to sign Calafiori this summer.