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Arsenal fans have been left excited after news emerged of their club reaching an agreement with Italian outfit Bologna for the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners are set to sign the Italian centre-back, ending a pursuit that has lasted for weeks.
Calafiori was one of the standout players for Bologna as they finished fifth in Serie A in 2023-24, sealing qualification to the UEFA Champions League. The defender earned a place in his country's squad for Euro 2024, starting all of their group games and shining for the team.
Multiple sides were interested in the 22-year-old defender, with Chelsea and Arsenal said to be leading the race to sign him. The Italian international had promptly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Gunners, and Chelsea dropped out of the race.
David Ornstein reports that the Gunners have now finalized an agreement with Bologna to sign the defender, and he could soon well be on his way to join their pre-season tour. The signing of the defender is now subject to a medical and official signing of the contract.
Arsenal fans were pleased to receive the news of the agreement with Bologna for the defender. Here are some of the reactions:
"Welcome to the best club in the world," wrote an elated fan.
A fan reacted with great excitement to the news of the impending signing, writing.
"IM SO ALIVEEEEEEEE."
Another fan expressed belief that the side would go the entire season undefeated, writing:
"We are going unbeaten next season."
Another fan praised the signing of the defender and commented:
"Huge signing. this Guy is a great talent."
Bologna will pay between 40 and 50% of the proposed £50 million transfer fee to FC Basel as part of a sell-on agreement signed when Calafiori joined Bologna. The defender will further bolster the Gunners' backline when he joins in the coming weeks.
Premier League side commences talks over signing of Arsenal star - Reports
Newly promoted side Leicester City have begun talks with Arsenal over the signing of winger Reiss Nelson, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Foxes are looking to sign the Englishman to strengthen their ranks ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season.
Steve Cooper's side are keen to sign Nelson on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the 2024-25 season. The winger has failed to break into the thoughts of manager Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium despite signing a new deal before the start of the 2023-24 season.
Reiss Nelson made only five starts for Arsenal last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists for the side. The academy graduate is familiar with Steeve Cooper from his U-16 days and could be reunited with him.
