Arsenal make move to sign Riccardo Calafiori and make him first summer signing

Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of promising Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Gunners have presented a long-term proposal to the Bologna star. The news follows reports last week that Arsenal were keen on the 22-year-old center-back, who enjoyed a successful 2023/24 season with the Serie A side, making 30 league appearances.

Romano’s tweet indicates that Calafiori is receptive to joining the North London club, but the deal hinges on Arsenal reaching an agreement with Bologna. This suggests that personal terms have been discussed and agreed upon, but a transfer fee is still to be negotiated.

The potential arrival of Calafiori would provide Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with a valuable addition to his squad as the club aims to build upon their successful 2023/24 campaign, where they finished as runners-up in the Premier League. Calafiori’s versatility, having played both left-back and center-back, makes him an attractive prospect for Arteta, who values adaptability within his squad.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can secure the signature of the talented Italian defender, who could potentially become a key part of their defensive setup for years to come.