Roma believe they have a legal right to millions from FC Basel as part of Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer from Bologna to Arsenal, further complicating the deal.
The Gunners have agreed to sign the 22-year-old Italian centre back from the Rossoblu for a fixed €45m plus €5m in add-ons, seemingly ending the saga surrounding the deal, which was complicated due to FC Basel’s 50% sell-on clause.
Calafiori shined under Thiago Motta at Bologna last season, playing a key role in their historic Champions League qualification, and also showed a number of positives for Italy at the recent European Championship, attracting the attention of Arsenal.
Calafiori saga evolves
La Gazzetta dello Sport details how Roma now believe they’re owed a sum of around €8m from FC Basel as part of Calafiori’s sale from Bolonga to Arsenal.
The reason is due to a 40% sell-on clause included in the deal that saw the defender switch Italy for Switzerland back in August 2022.
Roma’s argument is that they’re essentially owed €8m from FC Basel because their 40% sell-on clause includes both the €1.6m they earnt from his sale to Bologna last year, and the 50% sell-on clause that was attached to that deal.