- Arsenal and Bologna ‘stalled’ in Calafiori talks
- The Gunners have offered £33.6million plus add-ons and agreed personal terms
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: Why did Gareth Southgate’s team look so exhausted?
Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly been asked by Bologna to attend pre-season training as the two clubs cannot agree on a transfer fee for the defender.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen the defence after finishing second to Manchester City in the Premier League for the second consecutive season.
The North London club have identified Calafiori as one of their key defenders and are trying to push through a deal before their US tour begins next week.
However, negotiations with Bologna have stalled due to a valuation difference of £8.4m, according to Air sports.
Arsenal have offered £33.6million plus bonuses for Calafiori, but the Serie A club, who will play in the Champions League, are demanding more.
Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly been asked by Bologna to attend pre-season training
Arsenal have offered £33.6million plus bonuses and agreed personal terms with the Italian defender
This is because Calafiori’s former club, FC Basel, is entitled to 40 percent of the resale price.
According to the same publication, the 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with Arsenal for a five-year contract.
Calafiori is part of the Bologna squad that will travel to Valles, Spain, on July 22 to prepare for the new season.
The Italian central defender impressed during the lacklustre Euro 2024 campaign, in which he played all group games, after a successful season with Bologna.
Calafiori played a major role in Italy’s knockout round of 16 clash with Switzerland after being suspended for too many yellow cards in the group stage and is now keen to secure his club future.
Arsenal begin preparations for the new season with a friendly against Bournemouth on July 25 in Los Angeles.
Their US tour also includes friendlies against Manchester United and Liverpool.