Riccardo Calafiori ‘flies to London for medical with Arsenal’ as the Italian defender closes in on a £42m move from Bologna
- Riccardo Calafiorie takes final steps towards his move to Arsenal
- The 22-year-old is thought to be signing a deal worth around £42million
- The Italian was an indispensable link in Bologna’s safe Champions League football
Riccardo Calafiori has posted a picture of himself on a private jet en route to London for his medical with Arsenal.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta hopes Calafiori joins the squad as soon as possible as the team tour North and South America in preparation for the season.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared the photo of the 22-year-old defender, who was accompanied by his agents, WSA president and founder Alessandro Lucci and the agency’s CEO Alessio Ceccarelli.
Calafiori could be a key addition to Arteta’s defence as he adds depth and versatility to the defensive line.
Last season he was a key player for Italian side Bologna, playing in both central defence and left-back positions.
Riccardo Calafiori heads to London for a medical with Arsenal as he completes £42m transfer
The Series a team secured Champions League achieved a qualification for the first time in six decades.
Arsenal’s only signing so far this summer has been David Raya, a permanent move from Brentford after spending last season on loan.
The Italian shone during Euro 2024 in Italy, starting in all three group matches.
Calafiori has had an extended summer break after Italy’s participation in the 2024 European Championship, where the former champion was knocked out in the round of 16 by Denmark.
In total he played five international matches for Italy, three of which were at the European Championship in Germany.
Calafiori was key to Bologna’s attempts to secure Champions League football last season
Calafiori could be Mikel Arteta’s ideal player as he is known for his defensive versatility
His former club Basel are entitled to a sell-on clause of 40 to 50 percent.
The move could hasten the departure of Jakub Kiwior, who reportedly has admirers at both Milan clubs.
