Arsenal receive Riccardo Calafiori transfer green light after big £40m update and Juventus delay

Arsenal recently emerged as the latest European heavyweight to take an interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. Fresh off an excellent season in Serie A, the 22-year-old has continued impressing at Euro 2024 with Italy and it has understandably alerted several clubs.

Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United have all been linked to Calafiori in recent weeks with the Gunners investigating his profile in the last few days, according to Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto. Though there is interest from the Premier League, Calafiori remaining in his home nation seems likely with Juventus favourites for his signature.

football.london understands the Gunners' priority is to strengthen in midfield. However, adding depth in defence could be crucial with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro and Marc Guehi all being considered by the clubs looking at Calafiori.

Considering Bologna's impressive season, where they qualified for the Champions League, it is no surprise transfer interest in several players has arrived. Man United are already exploring a deal for Joshua Zirkzee with his £34million release clause likely to be activated this summer.

While the Italian side appears set to lose Zirkzee, they had plans to keep Calafiori but that now seems very unlikely, according to Fabrizio Romano. The transfer expert, in his recent update on the defender, admitted Bologna feel it is now impossible to not sell him and are anticipating big proposals.

Juventus have been favourites for his signature, but Romano also claims they are yet to reach an agreement with Bologna and therefore Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United could take advantage.

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Bologna's exact asking price is unknown but £40million has been suggested as a fee that could be enough to obtain his services. However, comments from club chief Marco Di Vaio certainly hint that could increase over the coming weeks given his impact for Italy at Euro 2024.

He told Libero: "We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years. The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value but the intention is to keep all of our players."