Arsenal came up short in last season’s Premier League title race and Mikel Arteta has been on the search to find the right profiles to bolster his squad.
The Gunners have been touted to get a striker this summer but it seems attentions might be turned elsewhere, particularly in midfield and the defence line.
The option of getting a new face for latter is what has made headlines in recent days.
Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as a target for the North London club with progress and breakthrough in talks reported to have been made on Wednesday.
Arsenal are said to have presented their long-term project and plans to the defender — who was a mainstay and key player in Bologna’s Serie A campaign which saw them secure a ticket to the UEFA Champions League.
The 22-year-old also gave an extremely impressive account of himself on a larger stage, playing and shining in all of Italy’s Euro 2024 group stage games, only missing their knockout game exit in the hands of Switzerland due to suspension.
The defender provided the assist in the Azzuri’s stoppage time win against Croatia which preserved their journey in the competition at the time.
Calafiori, hence got attention from top clubs around Europe, with Juventus pulling out of the race at the start of the week and Chelsea seriously lurking around to acquire his services.
However, it is reported Arsenal contacted the players camp and informed them of their interest for the left-footed defender who is valued up to €50million.
The relationship between Arsenal and Bologna is said to still be excellent following their business involving the transfer of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
