SUNDAY MORNING DEAL: Arsenal have just submitted an improved offer to sign 24yr superstar, Arteta wants Him for Key premier league project, personal terms already agreed
Arsenal are on the brink of securing their second signing of the summer transfer window with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori set to join the Emirates Stadium. Calafiori has impressed at Euro 2024, making him a valuable addition to the Gunners’ squad.
While Calafiori is poised to become Arsenal’s second acquisition following the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford, negotiations are still ongoing. According to Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Arsenal has not yet agreed to Bologna’s €50 million asking price for the defender. Talks between the two clubs are expected to continue.
If an agreement is reached, Calafiori will sign a five-year contract in North London, reportedly earning around €4 million per year. His signing would be a significant coup for Arsenal, who have been searching for a top-class centre-back to partner with William Saliba. With his impressive defensive skills and ability to play the ball out from the back, Calafiori fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s system.
Bologna’s transfer chief, Giovanni Sartori, revealed last week that Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League than join Juventus, despite the player’s preference for a move to the Bianconeri. Sartori stated that Bologna would consider substantial offers for Calafiori and are willing to sell to the right club.
Initially linked with a transfer to Liverpool, it now seems that Arsenal has taken the lead and are favorites to secure his 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 boost Arsenal’s defense and reflect Jorginho’s influence in the dressing room.
Arsenal are 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 significant step in strengthening their defensive line and enhancing their title aspirations.
Nico Williams Transfer Deadline:
Nico Williams is said to be the wide player Mikel Arteta would prefer to sign if the club adds in that area this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all linked with the winger, but Barcelona is said to be the player’s preference.
It is far from a foregone conclusion that Williams will move from the Basque Country to Catalunya. SPORT reports that Williams is ignoring interest from elsewhere, but he wants his future sorted within the first week of August rather than waiting for a move, and he has set that soft deadline himself.
According to football.london, Arteta wanting Williams makes sense, and the club should remain ready to swoop in should Barcelona delay completing a deal. The player’s £47 million release clause should be affordable this summer, and being able to offer Champions League football should position Arsenal ahead of Chelsea, at least.
Having a Spanish-speaking manager who seemingly wants the winger would also give the Gunners an edge over Liverpool in hijacking any deal if Barcelona falters. Not necessarily needing a winger allows Arsenal to position themselves to be opportunistic should such a situation arise.