HERE WE GO: Arsenal have beaten Man united to the signing of £60m superstar, Medical will be done today at London Colney, 4yrs contract signed – Unveiling will be done this morning

According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have made a strong entry into the race to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in recent hours. The London club is keen to strengthen their defense this summer and is specifically looking for a left-footed player who can operate both as a central defender and a left-back.

Calafiori has recently emerged as a prime target. Bologna is reluctant to sell him to Juventus, making the Premier League the most likely destination for the defender. Bologna is holding out for £42.3 million, as they owe Basel 50 percent of the sell-on fee. The next week could be crucial in determining Calafiori’s future.

Arsenal has an excellent opportunity to sign Calafiori, who has become one of Italy’s top ball-playing defenders. In his debut season at Bologna, the 22-year-old completed 90 percent of his passes, won 71 percent of his aerial duels, and averaged 6.5 recoveries and 2.5 clearances per game. Additionally, he averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, while also contributing two goals and five assists. These attributes suggest he would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

Calafiori’s ability to play both in central defense and at left-back, combined with his ball-playing skills and aerial prowess, would make him a significant upgrade over Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Despite the high asking price from Bologna, Arsenal might still proceed with the signing to enhance their chances of winning the league title next season.

Calafiori’s arrival could potentially lead to the departure of Kiwior, who has been unconvincing and vulnerable against direct opponents. Stats are sourced from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com.