“Arsenal Transfer: The Real Reason Behind Riccardo Calafiori’s Delay Revealed”
“Arsenal Transfer: The Real Reason Behind Riccardo Calafiori’s Delay Revealed”
Riccardo Calafiori has been set to join Arsenal for some time, but a deal has been dragging on with Bologna
Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal is a transfer that has started to drag on after the Gunners seemed to have made significant progress on a deal.
Arsenal are all set to confirm a deal for their third arrival of the summer with goalkeeper Tommy Setford, following the arrivals of two other keepers Lucas Nygaard and David Raya. Negotiations on Calafiori have been ongoing for some time, with a deal seemingly struck during Euro 2024.
However, despite Italy’s exit from the tournament at the round of 16 stage against Switzerland at the end of June, nothing has been announced yet with the defender also heading on holiday following the conclusion of a long season.
And according to reports in Italy, that delay is down to negotiations between Bologna and Calafiori’s former club Basel over the resale clause that was included in his move to the Serie A side last summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport state that there have been no talks on the 22-year-old’s future in the last five days. Apparently, the Swiss club want 50% of the transfer fee from a move to Arsenal, while the Serie A side are hoping to negotiate that down due to their significant role in the defender’s rise to prominence, switching him to a centre-back role where he has become one of the league’s standout stars.
For now, there is a stalemate with Bologna, and the defender has been left somewhat in limbo amid a return to pre-season training for his side. Calafiori is currently set to return on either July 20 or 21 following three weeks off after Euro 2024, with the club then heading for a pre-season training camp on the 22nd.
While Bologna are said to be happy with the €40million plus €5million in bonuses (£33.6million plus £4.2million) transfer fee proposed by Arsenal, they are in no rush to push forward a deal until they can sort out advantageous terms with Basel, meaning further delays could be on the way.
