Arsenal’s pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori has electrified fans, eager to see the Italy star in red and white after his stellar performance at EURO 2024.
However, despite negotiations for the Bologna defender being ‘advanced’, insider Ben Jacobs has revealed to GIVEMESPORT that talks have become ‘relatively tough’. The Gunners are standing firm against Bologna’s transfer fee demands, showing no intention of yielding easily.
Calafiori, a standout at the tournament in Germany, has solidified his reputation as one of Serie A’s brightest talents. His impressive stint at Bologna not only helped the team qualify for the Champions League for the first time in nearly 60 years but also made him the talk of Italy’s squad. Even though Italy’s overall performance was lackluster, Calafiori’s composed displays caught everyone’s attention.
Riccardo Calafiori is Wanted by Various Clubs
Calafiori’s last-minute assist against Croatia was a highlight of EURO 2024, propelling Italy to second place and eliminating Luka Modric’s team.
This remarkable play has put him on the radar of top clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Chelsea. Arsenal, having engaged in talks with Bologna since Italy’s exit, now finds itself leading the race for his signature after Juventus stalled on a deal. While Calafiori has agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, an agreement between the clubs is still pending.
Jacobs: Calafiori Negotiations “Are Tough”
In an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs emphasized the challenging nature of the negotiations. Despite Calafiori’s eagerness to join Arsenal, Bologna remains firm on their €50 million (£43 million) asking price. Arsenal is now deliberating whether this fee represents good value. Jacobs noted:
“Arsenal still want Riccardo Calafiori, but the negotiations are relatively tough because Bologna is sticking to their asking price of around €50 million. Arsenal is still deciding whether that is value for money or whether they’re going to look elsewhere. The player is fully sold on the move, and with Juventus now out of the race, it’s up to Arsenal to decide.”
Calafiori Could Play Left-Back for Arsenal
Calafiori is seen as a potential solution for Arsenal’s left-back position, a role where the team has struggled. Breaking up the solid centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel, who helped Arsenal achieve the lowest goals conceded in the Premier League last season, would be unwise.
Therefore, Calafiori’s versatility in playing left-back is crucial. With Oleksandr Zinchenko’s inconsistent form, Jakub Kiwior linked with AC Milan, and Kieran Tierney surplus to requirements, Calafiori could fill a significant gap. His addition would be especially timely with Jurrien Timber just returning from an ACL injury.
In conclusion, while negotiations for Calafiori are proving tough, his potential impact on Arsenal’s defense makes him a highly coveted asset. Fans and club officials alike are hopeful that a deal can be reached to bring this rising star to the Emirates.
