July 3rd 2024.
According to reports in Italy, Arsenal is looking to secure a deal early on with Bologna for the talented Italian player Riccardo Calafiori. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest in the centre-half after his impressive performance with Bologna, which helped the team secure a spot in the Champions League. Despite Italy's elimination in the first knockout stage of Euro 2024, Calafiori caught the attention of many with his skills on the field.
While Juventus has also expressed interest in the former Roma youngster, they have been unable to meet Bologna's asking price. The club is also looking to sell Calafiori to a team outside of Serie A. According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal has made a formal offer of €47 million for the 22-year-old, but Bologna has yet to respond and is holding out for €50 million. Calafiori joined Bologna from FC Basel last summer for €4 million, with a 40% sell-on clause for the Swiss side.
Bologna's technical director, Giovanni Sartoria, has acknowledged that Calafiori may leave if they receive an "important" offer. "We took him in 12 months ago, so we'll see what happens in the market, but we have the desire to keep him," Sartoria stated. "We will try our best to keep him, but if significant offers come in, we will have to consider them. I don't think he will go to Juventus, but he may go to a different market."
Arsenal has been relatively quiet this summer, but they are close to finalizing the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford for £27 million after his successful loan spell with the club last season. A new centre-forward is also on Mikel Arteta's list of priorities, with Alexander Isak being a top target. However, Arsenal has backed off due to Newcastle United's hefty asking price of over £150 million for the Swedish international. Another potential target, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, has decided to stay in Germany for at least one more year after Slovenia's elimination from Euro 2024 on Monday.
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