Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are close to completing their first major signing ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Gunners are in prime position to add a serious boost to their defence line after they finally reached an agreement with Bologna for the signing of Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports.
The left-footed Italian defender was a shining light in the previous season and extremely impressive in the just concluded European Championships for the Azzuri.
Both clubs have been struggling to reach an agreement on the transfer but breakthrough has finally been made on a reported fixed fee of €40million and €5million in add-ons, with a sell-on clause also included in the deal.
Calafiori had already agreed to a contract with the North London club until 2029 with a net salary of around €4million.
Bologna are also set to remit 50% of the transfer to FC Basel and the two clubs will be in touch to discuss payment terms and structure — which was the major stalling block in the deal for Arsenal.
It was also reported that in the past days, Calafiori spoke directly to the Bologna board to allow him move to the Emirates as several clubs tried to hijack the deal but his message was clear to say he was waiting for Arsenal.
Arsenal will be on their way soon to their pre-season tour of the United States of America and Arteta will seem extremely pleased to get the signing of Calafiori over the line.
