Arsenal pushing to seal deal for Serie A star, have already reached personal terms agreement with the player - Reports

As per Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are looking to conclude a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori next week. The 22-year-old Bologna defender impressed during Euro 2024 after a good domestic campaign.

Romano reported that Calafiori is an admirer of the Gunners project and would like to join the north London club. He added that a final round of talks has been scheduled. The Italian is set to earn €4 million per season at the club after his move and will pen a contract until 2029.

Calafiori helped Bologna keep 17 clean sheets in 33 matches across the 2023-24 season. Apart from his defending skills, Calafiori showcased his versatility by scoring twice and providing five assists for his club last season.

Calafiori started all three group games for the Azzurri during the Euro 2024 campaign. While he scored an unfortunate own goal against Spain in the Euro 2024 group-stage clash, overall, Calafiori impressed with his performances.

He even bagged an important assist in the final group game against Croatia, which Italy drew via a last-ditch equalizer. The youngster was suspended for the Round of 16 clash against Switzerland after picking up two yellow cards during the group stages of the competition.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have a rich pool of defensive players, boasting stars like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior. Calafiori's imminent arrival would further bolster Mikel Arteta's options.

Calafiori, a five-time Italy international, is contracted with Bologna until the end of the 2026-27 season. He has an estimated market value of €30 million, as per Transfermarkt.

According to Calciomercato, the Gunners would shell out an eye-watering €53 million to sign Calafiori this summer.

Arsenal could sell defender after signing Riccardo Calafiori: Reports

As per Il Bianconero, Arsenal could sell Jakub Kiwior to Juventus after completing Riccardo Calafiori's move to north London. Kiwior, who joined the club in January 2023, has so far made 38 appearances for the Gunners.

Last season, he often played as a left-back as well as a central defender. However, with Calafiori's potential arrival, the Gunners could have enough left-footed defenders and Kiwior could be the one to make way.

New Juventus boss Thiago Motta is well aware of Kiwior's qualities having worked together at Spezia. Motta is reportedly keen on reuniting with the defender at Juventus and a move could be on the cards.