FINALLY DONE ✅: Calafiori to Arsenal finally completed on a 5yr deal till 2029 after Arsenal offered £40m player plus £50m cash to sign the Bologna man – Jubilation at London Colney as Arsenal complete their second summer signing

Arsenal are close to finalizing their second signing of the summer transfer window, with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori set to join the club. The Italian defender has impressed at Euro 2024, making him a valuable addition to the Gunners’ squad.

Following the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, Calafiori is poised to be Arsenal’s next acquisition. However, negotiations are still ongoing. According to Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Arsenal has yet to agree on Bologna’s €50 million asking price for the defender, but talks between the two clubs are expected to continue.

If the agreement is reached, Calafiori will sign a five-year contract with Arsenal, reportedly earning around €4 million annually. His signing would be a significant boost for Arsenal, which has been seeking a top-class centre-back to partner with William Saliba. Known for his impressive defensive skills and ability to play the ball out from the back, Calafiori is seen as a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system.

Bologna’s transfer chief Giovanni Sartori recently stated that Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League than join Juventus, despite the player’s preference for the Bianconeri. Sartori mentioned that Bologna is open to substantial offers and willing to sell to the right club.

Initially linked with Liverpool, Arsenal now seems to be in the lead to secure Calafiori’s signature. Once Arsenal meets Bologna’s asking price, it will only be a matter of time before Calafiori completes his move to the Emirates Stadium. This signing would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s defence and reflect Jorginho’s growing influence in the dressing room.

Arsenal is determined to build a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title. Securing Calafiori, one of the top young defenders in the world, would be a major step in reinforcing their defensive line and boosting their title aspirations.

In addition to Calafiori, Arsenal is also interested in signing Nico Williams as a wide player. Mikel Arteta has expressed a preference for Williams, and Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all been linked with the winger. However, Williams reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona.

Despite his preference for Barcelona, Williams wants his future decided by the first week of August. Reports indicate that he is ignoring interest from other clubs for now. Arsenal should remain ready to make a move if Barcelona hesitates. Williams’ £47 million release clause is considered affordable, and Arsenal’s ability to offer Champions League football could position them ahead of Chelsea in the race for his signature.

Having a Spanish-speaking manager who desires the winger would give Arsenal an edge over Liverpool if Barcelona falters. Additionally, since Arsenal does not urgently need a winger, they can position themselves opportunistically, ready to act if the situation with Williams changes.