Arsenal agree fee in principle with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori, when the deal could be completed

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Arsenal have struck an agreement with Bologna over the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal have had a frustrating summer transfer window this summer with the Gunners missing out on two key targets.

HITC had reported that Arsenal were looking at alternatives for midfielder Martin Zubimendi as there were suspicions he preferred a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

As for Arsenal, sources told HITC that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has renewed his deal with the club but with a release clause that becomes valid in 2025.

However, despite missing out on two targets the club are now closing in on the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal strike agreement in principle to sign Calafiori

Arsenal have confirmed in last few hours that talks are progressing to the point were the two clubs have now agreed on a fee in principle which will see the Italian complete his move to the Emirates Stadium.

There are a couple of details to iron out before the 22-year-old defender, who has been compared to Franco Baresi, completes his move to the Emirates Stadium.

Earlier in the summer, it appeared that Calafiori favoured a move to Thiago Motta’s Juventus but Mikel Arteta’s side are now set to win the race for the Euro 2024 star.

Despite Italy being eliminated from the European Championship, Calafiori impressed and he was arguably their best player of the tournament held in Germany.

When Arsenal hope to get deal done for Calafiori

Sources have told HITC that Arsenal are now expecting deal done within days after making significant progress after previously stalling with talks earlier this week.

The final fee is understood to be around £34 million for the Italian defender to complete his move to the Emirates Stadium, but there are add-ons in the deal that will take it to £38 million.

Arteta has seemingly got his top target for the defensive role this summer with the Italian’s ability to play at left-back understood to appeal to the Spaniard.