Arsenal close to signing Riccardo Calafiori in huge Liverpool transfer blow

Arsenal is on the brink of securing its second summer signing, with Riccardo Calafiori believed to be close to a move to London.

As reported by football.london, the Gunners have a keen interest in the defender, who has been turning heads with his performances at both club and international level in recent months. It's suggested that personal terms have already been agreed upon, with Arsenal hoping to finalize the deal this week. That's bad news for Liverpool, who is interested in Calafiori.

Currently plying his trade for Bologna in Italy, Calafiori was instrumental in helping the team secure a respectable Serie A finish last season. His impressive form continued into Euro 2024, where he represented Italy. Despite Italy's exit in the round of 16 against Switzerland - a match Calafiori missed due to suspension - the defender received plaudits for his tournament performances.

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Due to his Euro 2024 commitments, Calafiori is yet to rejoin his teammates for preseason training, having been granted additional time off. The 22-year-old recently took to Instagram to share a glimpse of his holiday, posting a video featuring a deck, sun loungers, and a sunset over the sea.

While it remains unclear when he will return to training with Bologna, it appears he's currently making the most of his break, with the post suggesting a transfer isn't imminent. Arsenal is eager to finalise the transfer of Calafiori to Mikel Arteta's roster before the Gunners depart on their preseason tour on Sunday, July 21. This leaves the club with 11 days to seal the deal.

Should the transfer go through, it could signal the departure of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, with interest already shown by Serie A clubs for Kiwior.

Liverpool.com says: This a huge transfer blow for Liverpool. Calafiori, a left-footed defender, can play at either center-back or left-back and would've been - at the very least - a useful squad player for Arne Slot. But the Reds still have to time to persuade the Italian to come to Merseyside and shouldn't give up on the transfer until his fate is secured.