Arsenal and Bologna have been in discussions for several days to finalize the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori to the English club. The negotiations have recently gained significant momentum following the return of the 2002-born defender from his vacation. An agreement between the clubs had already been reached before Calafiori’s holiday, and a verbal agreement between the player and Arsenal was also in place. Now, with his return, only a few bureaucratic details remain before Calafiori can officially become an Arsenal player.
Financial Details of the Transfer
Calciomercato report that Bologna are set to receive €50 million from the transfer, a sum that Juventus was unwilling to match. Juventus had been in the race for Calafiori until Arsenal’s substantial offer disrupted their plans. The defender was a specific request from Juventus coach Thiago Motta, who had previously worked with Calafiori at Bologna and wanted to reunite with him in Turin. Once Juventus realized Calafiori was out of reach, they shifted their focus to Juan Cabal from Verona, preempting Inter Milan’s interest in the Colombian player.
Calafiori’s Contract with Arsenal
Calafiori will sign a five-year contract with Arsenal, set to expire in June 2029, with an annual net salary of €4 million. Sources close to the player indicate that he is excited about starting his second stint abroad, following his previous experience with Basel in Switzerland. Calafiori, who developed in Roma’s youth academy and has also played for Genoa in Serie A, is now preparing for his adventure in the Premier League, with Arsenal on the brink of finalizing the deal.
