Arsenal's patience in Riccardo Calafiori deal set to pay off

Arsenal are getting close to finally securing their first major move of the summer. The Gunners have been trying to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori for weeks now.

The versatile defender recently starred for Italy during Euro 2024. His late dribble and assist against Croatia on June 24th helped Gli Azzurri qualify for the knockout round.

Although they were subsequently dumped out of the tournament by Switzerland, a game in which Calafiori was suspended for, the defender’s overall display impressed several big clubs around Europe.

Following his successful Euro 2024, Arsenal quickly entered transfer negotiations with Bologna. The Italian side was adamant in requesting about $55 million for their star defender.

The Gunners were, however, resistant in agreeing to pay the fee. The deadlock may have made Arsenal fear that another top team would swoop in for their prime target. These worries were ultimately forgotten as Calafiori only had eyes for Arsenal.

Player’s request to join Arsenal helped move deal along

With Arsenal standing firm, and Calafiori essentially pleading with Bologna to let him leave, the Italian’s have lowered their asking price. According to Fabrizio Romano, the two teams have now agreed to a final fee. The Gunners will reportedly pay Bologna $43 million for the 22-year-old defender. An extra $6 million will be part of the package provided specific add-ons are met.

Bologna initially wanted the guaranteed $55 million up front because of a previous agreement with FC Basel. The Italians purchased Calafiori from the Swiss side just last summer for around $5 million.

While the fee was low, Basel insisted on inserting a reported 50% sell-on clause in the agreement. This means that Bologna has to split any transfer fee received for the defender with the Swiss club.

Ultimately, Calafiori’s insistence on specifically joining Arsenal helped the deal edge closer to completion. The defender will travel to England to complete a medical once Basel and Bologna officially agree on sell-on terms. Calafiori has already verbally agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners.

Arsenal set to improve an already impressive defense

The Italian is reportedly Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s top defensive target this summer. Calafiori was a regular at wing back and left back during his time at Basel. He, however, featured at center back under Thiago Motta at Bologna. This versatility is undoubtedly something that Arteta’s likes in his players.

Assuming the pending deal is complete, Calafiori will likely step in to the left back role at Arsenal. The position has been one of the few weak points in the team’s lineup. Oleksandr Zinchenko is the club’s main player at the position. The Ukrainian has unfortunately suffered a series of injury setbacks since his arrival in 2022 and has issues in defense.

With Zinchenko on the sidelines, Arteta has mostly opted to use Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior in the role. The Japan international, however, is much better on the right side of the defense. Kiwior is more of a central defender.

Calafiori, on the other hand, would give the Gunners a solid option at both left back and center back. He also adds to an already massive defense, both figuratively and literally. Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season and the club’s starting back four would average over 6’2″ with the addition of Calafiori.

Photo credits: IMAGO / Camilla Stolen : IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto