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David Ornstein delivers Riccardo Calafiori transfer bomba
- David Ornstein has delivered Riccardo Calafiori transfer bomba
- Calafiori to join from Bologna in €45m deal
- Italian to team-up with new teammates on US tour
Riccardo Calafiori is closing in on his move to Arsenal with transfer specialist David Ornstein confirming that a full agreement is in place with Bologna for the Italian defender.
The Gunners have been working tirelessly to wrap up a deal for Calafiori but had been left frustrated in negotiations over a few sticking points. They key issue was believed to involve the sell-on clause Basel are entitled to having sold the Italian international to Bologna in 2023.
After returning to Italy, Calafiori starred for Thiago Motta's Rossublu as they secured a rare Champions League berth following a fifth-place finish in Serie A. Calafiori, who failed to make the grade at Roma under Jose Mourinho, emerged as one of the stars of Motta's swashbuckling outfit and was selected in Luciano Spalletti's Euro 2024 squad.
He impressed in Germany for a flat Italy side, and Arsenal have since acted quickly to secure their man.
David Ornstein delivers Riccardo Calafiori transfer bomba
🚨 All agreements now in place for Riccardo Calafiori to join Arsenal from Bologna. 22yo defender still needs to do medical + sign but deal essentially done. If everything goes to plan, aim is for Italy int’l to link up with #AFC on USA tour @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/imqFkwcOXC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2024
After Fabrizio Romano confirmed an agreement was in place between the two clubs over the weekend, Ornstein has now delivered the final dagger. He writes that 'all agreements' are in place regarding Calafiori's signing.
Arsenal are expected to send €45m (including add-ons) Bologna's way for the defender's services.
Calafiori will now undergo a medical with the Gunners before the signing is made a official. Assuming the deal is wrapped up in the coming days, the versatile operator will team up with his new teammates out in the USA for their pre-season tour.
Arsenal are in action against Manchester United on Saturday and Liverpool on 31 July. Arteta would love to have Calafiori involved for at least one of these fixtures before they return home for two more friendlies before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Many suspect Calafiori will slide into the Gunners' imperious backline, but Jurrien Timber's return and competence at left-back means it's not guaranteed that the 22-year-old will emerge as a starting option right away. Nevertheless, there's plenty to be excited about. A towering defender who's a unicorn in possession, Arteta will love working with Calafiori. He represents a considerable upgrade over Jakub Kiwior, who could be on the way out after the Italian signs.
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