Arsenal reach Riccardo Calafiori agreement as £42.2m transfer talks continue over clauses

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori over personal terms, according to reports.

The Gunners, along with Chelsea have been heavily linked with the defender in recent days, but it seems that Arsenal have now taken the lead in the race and are closing in on a deal. The 22-year-old caught the eye with his performances for Italy in Euro 2024, despite the nation’s exit at the round of 16 stage.

According to Fabrizio Romano , Arsenal have now ‘agreed terms’ with Calafiori over a five-year contract that will run until June 2029. Talks are now ongoing over a fee, with Bologna said to be requesting around €50 million (£42.2m).

Calafiori has only been with the Italian club for a year after moving from Swiss side FC Basel in August 2023 in a €4.5 million (£3.8m). A clause in the agreement means that they will receive 50 percent of any profit that Bologna make on the defender, they are reported to be aware of the talks going on between Bologna and Arsenal.

Calafiori can play at either centre-back or left-back, but was mainly used in central defence throughout the 2023/24 Serie A season. His final domestic match of the campaign saw him score a brace in a 3-3 draw against Juventus.

The defender featured in all three of Italy’s group games in Euro 2024 but missed the knockout clash against Switzerland due to suspension. Italy fell to a 2-0 defeat meaning that they headed home.

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That does however now free Calafiori up to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium if an agreement is reached between the two clubs. If he joins, his first competitive appearance could come in the Premier League opener against Wolves at home on Saturday, 17 August.