Arsenal on the Verge of Signing Riccardo Calafiori
The Riccardo Calafiori saga is finally about to come to an end for Arsenal fans. The Gunners have been trying to sign the Bologna defender since Italy’s elimination from Euro 2024, and negotiations have dragged on for over three weeks now.
Things were at a standstill, but reports revealed on Friday that Arsenal were just £2.5 million away from finding an agreement for Calafiori.
On Saturday morning, Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that Calafiori is now closer than ever to signing for Arsenal. David Ornstein claimed soon after that Arsenal are trying to wrap the Calafiori deal up quickly.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared some behind-the-scenes details.
How Riccardo Calafiori Convinced Bologna to Sell Him to Arsenal
Calafiori was always expected to leave Bologna this summer. The Italian had a fine 2023/24 season in Serie A, and following a spectacular Euro 2024 campaign, it became clear that he would be on the move.
Arsenal were on the lookout for a left-sided defender in the market, and when the opportunity to sign Calafiori came up, they couldn’t refuse it.
The Gunners started pursuing a move to sign the Italian defender in June, and Calafiori quickly agreed to personal terms to join Arsenal. Calafiori even rejected Chelsea for Arsenal, showing just how keen he was to join the Gunners.
While Arsenal and Bologna were struggling to agree on a fee, Calafiori decided to step in and talk to his current club. Romano has now revealed what the defender privately told his board that convinced them to close the deal with Arsenal.
Speaking on PlayBack, Romano said:
“What I wanted to say is that Riccardo Calafiori, in the last 24-48 hours, when he returned from holidays after the Euros, spoke directly with the Bologna board and told them ‘I understand that you are also open to keeping me here, we’re going to play Champions League football next season…’
“So Bologna really tried to keep the player at the club, but Riccardo Calafiori told them: ‘Please, let me fulfil my dream and let me go to Arsenal. I want to go to Arsenal’.
“This was the message from Riccardo Calafiori – ‘Let me go and let me fulfil my dream’.”
Arsenal’s Bargain Deal
Calafiori was arguably the best defender at Euro 2024. The Bologna star was absolutely amazing, and his popularity went through the roof after people saw him perform for Italy. Everyone expected Calafiori to cost big money this summer, but Edu Gaspar seems to have negotiated a truly incredible deal.
Romano has revealed that Bologna has accepted Arsenal’s offer of an initial €40 million (£33.7m) plus €5 million (£4.2m) add-ons.
A total package of less than £39 million for a versatile 22-year-old who has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world in the coming years is an absolute bargain.
Arsenal on the Verge of Signing Riccardo Calafiori
