Arsenal's race for Ricardo Calafiori's signature hit a snag as Bologna plays tough

Arsenal FC, seemingly close to securing the signature of the Italian left-back Ricardo Calafiori, now faces a significant obstacle in getting the deal over the line. According to Italy’s Gazzetta Dello Sport Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar had agreed on a £45 million deal for the former Basel defender. However, an underlying issue involves the sell-on clause from Calafiori’s former club, FC Basel. Calafiori was transferred from Basel last summer for £4 million with a 50% sell-on clause. Arsenal, who wants to bolster its squad, had made an initial offer of £38 million plus an additional £4 million in add-ons.  

Rossoblu rejected that bid of £42 million. With this addition, Arsenal aimed for a solid defensive lineup with three excellent options for each position. In a desperate effort to acquire the Italian services, Arsenal tried to spruce the deal by adding Jakub Kiwior to a player-plus-cash swap deal. However, the Italian club is interested in the Poland international but would only sign him on a separate agreement.

Arsenal’s latest offer for Calafiori is €45m plus €5m add-ons, still not enough for the Rossoblu. With preseason games and the start of the 2024/25 season, Arsenal may have to look elsewhere for a defender or submit a more enticing offer. 

READ MORE: Arsenal agree deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori amid interest from Chelsea

The 22-year-old, who recently represented Italy in the European Championship, will return to Bologna’s training center on July 20 to start the pre-season with the Rossoblu unless his club accepts an offer from the Gunners before. 

Chelsea They had also been monitoring Calafiori as a new left-sided defender before they settled on versatile Basel star Renato Veiga, who coincidentally was the Swiss side's replacement for the Italian last year.

Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia Calafiori did talk with Chelsea over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge but made it clear to them that he was prioritizing a move to Arsenal.

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