BREAKING NEWS ✅✅: Arsenal provides an update on discussions regarding Riccardo Calafiori as Bologna’s transfer chief speaks out publicly.
Arsenal remain in the lead to sign Riccardo Calafiori, despite negotiations for a summer transfer hitting a standstill, according to Bologna chairman Claudio Fenucci.
Arsenal is interested in acquiring a left-footed defender, and the 22-year-old Calafiori has become a key target. However, there is a discrepancy in valuation. Bologna is seeking at least £42 million, while reports from Italy suggest that Arsenal has only offered slightly more than £34 million.
Bologna’s push for a higher fee is partly because Calafiori’s previous club, Basel, is entitled to 50% of any transfer fee.
Standard Sport reports that Calafiori is eager to move to the Emirates Stadium and is interested in working under Mikel Arteta.
When asked for an update on Calafiori’s situation, Fenucci responded: “No news.”
He was also questioned about Juventus’s interest, which has reportedly cooled, to which Fenucci replied: “I haven’t heard from them.”
Arsenal, known for being major spenders in Europe since Arteta took over as manager, has been addressing the lack of new signings. Arteta commented, “Everything is a bit slower. The market and new regulations have made clubs more cautious, making it more delicate to conduct business as we have in the past seasons.”
He added, “We have adjusted to this and still aim to strengthen the team, improve the squad in every area we can, and be more competitive.”