REVEALED: Why Arsenal’s signing of Riccardo Calafiori is currently delaying

As the summer transfer window hots up, Arsenal’s pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori has hit a snag, with transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano providing insight into the complexities of the potential deal.

According to Romano, the key issue lies in the structure of the transfer agreement between Arsenal and Calafiori’s current club, Bologna. The Italian side is demanding a fee of €50 million for the highly-rated center-back, but the complicating factor is that they must give 50% of the deal to Basel, Calafiori’s former club.

This stipulation has led Bologna to insist on their asking price, leaving Arsenal seeking a different negotiation structure. “Arsenal want to include add-ons as part of the negotiation & make the structure different,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

The Gunners, who finished the 2023/24 season in second place with 89 points, just two behind champions Manchester City, are keen to bring Calafiori to the Emirates. Manager Mikel Arteta is a “big fan” of the player, and the club believes he has significant potential.

However, Romano noted that the price tag may have increased after Calafiori’s impressive performances at the recent Euro 2024 tournament. “Two or three months ago, the situation was different in terms of price,” the transfer guru revealed.

Arsenal’s desire to close the deal on their own terms has led to a stalemate in the negotiations, as both clubs attempt to secure the best possible outcome. With the new Premier League season fast approaching, the Gunners will be eager to resolve this transfer saga and secure the services of the highly-rated Italian defender.

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Fabrizio Romano’s continued insights into Arsenal’s pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori, as the North London club looks to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the upcoming campaign.