Mikel Arteta Speaks Out on Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori Transfer After Delay
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has stated that there are no new developments regarding the club’s efforts to sign Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, despite reports suggesting that a deal is close.
Although Juventus have shown interest, Calafiori is reportedly ready to join Arsenal, with the clubs agreeing on a €45m (£37.9m) deal.
The agreement involves Arsenal paying an initial €40m (£33.6m) for the Italian international, with an additional €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses. However, the transfer is delayed due to two disputes over sell-on clauses.
Firstly, there is a disagreement between Bologna and Basel, Calafiori’s previous club, over a clause entitling the Swiss team to 50% of any future transfer fee, which would amount to €22.5m (£19m).
Additionally, it has been reported that Roma, where Calafiori played as a youth before leaving in 2022, also expect to receive around €8m (£6.7m) from Basel due to a 40% sell-on clause agreed upon in 2022.
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However, it seems that these quarrel have been settled, with Fabrizio Romano noting that Arsenal and Bologna are now in the process of exchanging documents and finalizing contracts for Calafiori.
Arteta, upon arriving in the USA for Arsenal’s pre-season tour, was predictably asked about the club’s interest in the 22-year-old. He admitted that there was “unfortunately” no news to share at that moment.
When questioned about any developments on the deal, the Spaniard responded, according to the official Arsenal website: “No unfortunately not but obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short.
“We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better.”
This summer, Arsenal have only focused on goalkeepers, securing David Raya from Brentford for approximately £27 million on a permanent deal.
Additionally, they have strengthened their academy by acquiring Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard, both of whom joined the 24-player squad for Arsenal’s tour in the USA.
While Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a new midfielder and winger ahead of the upcoming season, their interest in a new striker has waned, likely due to Kai Havertz’s impressive performance last season.
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