Has Arsenal's transfer push for defensive star Calafiori suffered unexpected delay?

Feargal Brennan

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Has Arsenal's transfer push for defensive star Calafiori suffered unexpected delay? image

Arsenal are looking to bring in a new defender ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad — with a move for Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori said to be top of their agenda.

The Gunners lost out by two points to Manchester City in the Premier League title race in 2023/24, with a solid defense a key part of their challenge.

France star William Saliba was ever present, with 38 starts in Premier League action, with center-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes also making 34 starts.

However, Arteta is determined to have cover and depth across his back line ahead of a busy campaign, and Calafiori has apparently been identified as a perfect option, due to his versatility to play at center-back and left-back.

The 22-year-old anchored Bologna's defence last season, as Thiago Motta guided his team to fifth place in Serie A, and a first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

However, the Italian side are thought to be willing to sell their star asset, due to pressure over meeting UEFA's financial rules this summer.

Could contract clause hit Arsenal's bid to sign Calafiori?

Bologna are reportedly demanding the full £42 million ($54.5m) asking price for Calafiori, with Arsenal only offering £34m so far.

As per claims from the London Evening Standard, Arsenal will need to increase their bid, with Bologna unwilling to change their stance.

The primary reason of Bologna's insistence focuses on a clause in Calafiori's current contract, which requires them to pay 50 per cent of any transfer fee to his former club Basel.

As rumoured negotiations continue, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated Bologna were willing to accept Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior as part of a deal, but the Polish international is still assessing his options, amid links to AC Milan.

Calafiori has returned to pre-season training at Bologna with Arsenal stepping up their buildup in a friendly against Bournemouth on July 24.

Feargal Brennan

Feargal Brennan Photo

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and  a100% five-a-side penalty record.