OFFICIAL NOW ✅: First part of Medical completed as Arsenal set the announce their biggest signing of the summer today after beating Chelsea to His signature,deal signed till 2029 – Here we go

Despite earlier reports suggesting that the transfer had hit a snag, Arsenal has successfully reached an agreement with Bologna for the transfer of defender Riccardo Calafiori. According to David Ornstein, the Gunners managed to finalize the deal, marking a significant addition to their squad.

Riccardo Calafiori to Join Arsenal as Key Defensive Signing

Calafiori, a standout defender for Bologna, is set to move to Arsenal in a deal valued at £33.7 million, with an additional £4.2 million in bonuses and a sell-on clause. Although there were some initial disagreements over the transfer fee, negotiations concluded successfully, with the player’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, playing a pivotal role in the final stages. The agreement is largely complete, pending Calafiori’s medical examination, which is expected to finalize the transfer.

As part of the deal, Calafiori’s former club, Basel, will receive 50% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause included in his initial transfer to Bologna, recognizing his potential early on.

At 22, Calafiori is seen as an ideal solution to Arsenal’s left-back challenges. Known for his passing skills and defensive capabilities, he is anticipated to secure a starting position in the team, potentially ahead of current options like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.

Calafiori Eager to Work Under Mikel Arteta

Calafiori was reportedly impressed after discussions with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, which facilitated smooth negotiations over personal terms. The player is expected to sign a five-year contract, lasting until June 2029, with an annual salary of £3.3 million.

Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio revealed in an interview with Sky Sports that Calafiori had other options but chose Arsenal over clubs like Chelsea, underscoring his desire to join the North London side. Di Marzio stated, “If they get Calafiori, they will get the perfect Premier League defender. He wants Arsenal. In his mind, it was only Arsenal. Even Chelsea tried to get him, but the player said no, I want Arsenal.”

Arsenal had to fend off competition from Juventus and Chelsea to secure Calafiori’s signature. While Chelsea’s interest was not seen as a significant threat, Juventus posed a more serious challenge. However, Bologna’s management was unwilling to sell Calafiori to a domestic rival, particularly given past tensions with Juventus.

This acquisition is a cause for celebration among Arsenal fans, as Calafiori is widely regarded as the “perfect defender” to strengthen an already formidable defense.