Bologna chairman provides vague response when asked about Riccardo Calafiori's possible Arsenal transfer
Bologna chairman Claudio Fenucci brushed aside a question regarding Riccardo Calafiori's potential move to Arsenal this summer. The Italian defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks just a year after his €4 million transfer from FC Basel.
Calafiori made Italy's squad for the 2024 UEFA Euros on the back of a strong season at Bologna. He scored two goals and provided five assists in 30 Serie A games, helping his team keep an impressive 15 clean sheets in a season where they finished fifth.
Calafiori's stocks further skyrocketed at the recently-concluded Euros, where he played every minute of his team's three group stage games. He helped them keep a clean sheet in Germany and even assisted a crucial stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 group-stage draw against Croatia.
Arsenal have taken note of his impressive form and have reportedly been monitoring his progress at Bologna, where he still has three years on his contract. However, it seems that they haven't gotten very far in their supposed pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Calciomercato.it recently shared a video of a journalist asking Fenucci whether there is an agreement with the Gunners. The 63-year-old Italian responded rather curtly (via The Boot Room):
"There are no news."
When asked about Juventus, who have also been linked with a move for Calafiori, Fenucci said:
"Juve? Not heard from them."
Calafiori, an AS Roma youth product, joined Basel for €2.6 million in 2022 after making 18 senior appearances for I Giallorossi. He then played 38 times across competitions for the Swiss club before making the switch to Bologna.
Claudio Fenucci previously issued hands-off warning to suitors of Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori is now reportedly valued at €50 million, as per Fabrizio Romano (via TBR). But it seems Bologna are not open to cashing in on him — at least not this summer.
Claudio Fenucci said last month that the Italian defender's agent has been informed of the club's intentions to hold onto the player. Speaking at a press conference not long before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 to present new Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano, Fenucci said (via Football-Italia):
"We already said that our intention is to confirm most of the current squad. We already told Calafiori’s agent that we have no intention of losing him."
It is worth mentioning that Bologna, who will play in the UEFA Champions League next season, will owe 50% of Calafiori's sell-on fee to Bologna, as per Romano. Earlier this month, the Italian journalist stated that Arsenal presented a long-term proposal to the player, who is supposedly open to a switch to north London.
However, it seems that a deal is yet to materialize between the two teams, with the player also courted by Chelsea.