Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci admits there are ‘no developments’ on the impasse with Arsenal over Riccardo Calafiori, as Matteo Moretto explains what is blocking the transfer.
The deal had seemingly been done for €54m including bonuses, with the defender enthusiastic about the move to the Premier League after an impressive showing for Italy at EURO 2024.
However, it all ground to a halt and now appears to be well and truly stuck.
“There are no developments,” Bologna CEO Fenucci told reporters as he left the Lega Serie A assembly this evening.
Juventus had been in the running for months before the price-tag shot up and Arsenal stepped in, so has he spoken to them too following the impasse?
“No, I haven’t heard from them.”
Transfer expert Matteo Moretto explains what has gone wrong between Bologna and Arsenal in Caught Offside’s Daily Briefing.
Bologna hold out for Calafiori fee from Arsenal
While the total figure remains the same, the format of the proposal is what has changed and is holding up the deal for Calafiori.
Bologna want to make sure they get €50m guaranteed as a flat fee, along with some add-ons, whereas the Gunners are hoping to make it only €45m with bonuses on top.
The Rossoblu have to be strong here, because they owe a cut of the fee to his previous club FC Basel, believed to be around 40 per cent.
It’s a big chunk of change, so every penny will make a difference.
Considering Bologna are in the Champions League this season and have strong financial backing, they are under no pressure to sell.
They only parted with Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United because he had a €40m release clause in his contract, but promised there would be no need to lose their other stars.
Most likely Bologna will be back to middle table next season and Calafiori’s market value will drop dramatically. He will never receive the same offer in his life and consequently hate the club. Lose lose.
He is a good player but not for 54m. Overpriced.
Definitely not worth anywhere close to even 45mil. He had a good season with Motta but needs to show consistency. Not to mention Bologna was punching waaaaaay above their level with little to no pressure on them.
A move to a bigger club is a different beast altogether with brighter lights and crushing expectations.
AC Milan buying cheap foreign talent vs. investing in good Italian talent- typical Milanistas.