Bologna have officially confirmed the departure of defender Riccardo Calafiori, paving the way for a move to Arsenal. The Italian full-back is set to undergo a medical with the Gunners in the coming days as the Premier League side bolster their defensive options.
Bologna’s director, Claudio Fenucci, made the announcement during the unveiling press conference for new signing Thjis Dallinga. “Calafiori’s exit forces us to look for a new centre-back,” Fenucci stated. “Then we’ll wait for the end of the transfer window to see what we need. We’ll play more than 26 games from August to January and must keep an eye on the UEFA list.”
The departure of the young Italian defender has prompted Bologna to seek a replacement. German veteran Mats Hummels has emerged as a potential target, with the club having already initiated talks with the former Borussia Dortmund star. However, Fenucci acknowledged that Hummels is taking his time to consider the offer. “It’s normal, we talked to him not long time ago. It is fair that he thinks about it so he can come here with the right motivation,” Fenucci explained.
Meanwhile, Calafiori is expected to land in London imminently to finalize his move to Arsenal. The 22-year-old impressed many with his performances for the Italian national team at Euro 2024, showcasing his defensive prowess and attacking flair.
Arsenal have been actively seeking reinforcements in defense, and the acquisition of Calafiori represents a significant step in their transfer strategy. The Gunners have been in negotiations with Bologna for several weeks, and the deal is now believed to be worth around £40 million.
The Italian defender is versatile and can play both at left-back and center-back, adding depth and competition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. If the medical goes smoothly, Calafiori could join up with his new teammates on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity was a key factor in their impressive Premier League campaign last season. By bringing in a talented young defender like Calafiori, the club aims to further strengthen their backline and challenge for top honors once again.
The departure of Calafiori marks the end of his time at Bologna, where he gained valuable experience and showcased his potential. As he embarks on a new chapter with Arsenal, the Italian defender will be looking to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
The transfer window remains open for a few more weeks, and both Bologna and Arsenal are expected to continue their transfer activities as they look to build their respective squads for the upcoming season.
