As things stand, there has been no official confirmation at Arsenal.
No introductory photographs, no in-house interviews, no unveilings on the Emirates Stadium pitch.
But Arsenal are rapidly approaching that stage of the deal when a positive conclusion feels not only likely but inevitable. HITC understands that Riccardo Calafiori is set to undergo a medical in the very near future before putting the finishing touches on his £34 million transfer.
One of the breakout talents at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s early exit, Calafiori had been identified by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta as the ideal candidate to strengthen the left side of Arsenal’s backline.
From overlapping to underlapping full-backs to a back-four made up entirely of centre-halves, Calafiori may be tasked with fulfilling the role Jakub Kiwior played to rather mixed effect throughout 2023/24.
And talk about the cruelty of modern football. Where money talks and clubs like Bologna are often unfortunate victims of their own success.
Calafiori will become the third high-profile departure since the Rossoblu secured Champions League qualification for the very first time. Though at least Bologna avoided the ignominy of seeing the elegant 22-year-old continue his development under former boss Thiago Motta at Juventus – much to the disappointment of one Fabio Capello.
Arsenal set to seal Riccardo Calafiori deal with Bologna
Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci on Friday appeared to confirm that Calafiori’s exit has been all-but rubber stamped, admitting that the Emilia Romagna outfit are already in pursuit of replacements.
“The departure of Riccardo Calafiori forces us to look for a new central defender,” Fenucci tells Tuttomercatoweb. “Then, we will wait for the end of the market to see what we will need.”
Bologna moved quickly to bring in Thijs Dallinga from Toulouse after Manchester United snapped up striker Joshua Zirkzee.
In a very un-Bologna move, the Rossoblu could replace Calafiori with a highly-experienced free-agent. Mats Hummels, outstanding during Borussia Dortmund’s shock run to the Champions League final, is weighing up whether to see out the autumn days of a superb career in Italy.
“Why is Hummels taking his time? It’s very normal,” explains Fenucci. “We spoke to him recently. It’s right that he thinks about it, to arrive with the right motivations.”
“Calafiori’s situation is now clear,” adds Vincenzo Italiano, the man tasked with stepping into Motta’s shoes, per Tuttomercatoweb. “Let’s see what can arrive around the corner. We have three competitions to play. If someone arrives to strengthen us, welcome.
“Hummels? He is a world-class player, experienced and with quality. Let’s see what happens, the management is working well and is working 24/7 to strengthen the team.
“Let’s see what happens.”
Another eye-catching signing for Mikel Arteta
Calafiori, a rampaging, ball-carrying centre-half who epitomised Motta’s free-flowing, up-and-at-em tactics like no other, showcased his talents during that brief but brightly-burning Euros campaign. The talents that make him ‘ideal’ for Arteta’s Arsenal.
The former Roma youngster set up Mattia Zaccagni’s dramatic late striker against Croatia with the sort of barnstorming run he made his trademark at Bologna.
“Arsenal are definitely (getting) a bargain,” former Atalanta, AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Massimo Orlando tells Tuttomercatoweb.
“For the game he plays, Calafiori is a perfect match (for The Gunners). In a few years, maybe he’ll go to Barcelona or Real Madrid.
“Certain experiences abroad are good, especially in the Premier League. It’s a fascinating but difficult championship.
“Now, we’ll see how he adapts.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
