“It’s a lot of money but not crazy” - Ex-Chelsea midfielder delivers verdict on Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has delivered his verdict on Arsenal's planned signing of Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old defender looks set to leave Bologna this summer, with a move to the Emirates Stadium potentially valued at around €50 million.
According to a report from Matteo Moretto (via GOAL), the defender is making preparations to go for his medicals in London, before the signing is finalized. He is also expected to sign a five-year contract with the Gunners, who will pay a wage of approximately €4 million per season.
Calafiori has gained a reputation of a versatile defender, quite capable of playing at full-back or center-back. This will be a reason for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to be pleased with the incoming signing, as they are in search of versatility within their squad depth.
Former Chelsea star Craig Burley is also pleased with the decision to sign the Italian defender. During a conversation with Steve Nicol, Gabriele Marcotti, and Kay Murray on ESPN FC, he said (via YouTube):
“Yes [he’s a good fit for Arsenal]. It’s a lot of money but not crazy. He’s a good age, got good experience, obviously a very good player and he can play a couple of different positions. He gives them that option of going to a back three. So I think this is good business.”
Riccardo Calafiori played three games in Euro 2024 for Italy, providing one assist. He also made 30 Serie A appearances for Bologna last season, scoring twice and providing five assists.
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While the Gunners are expecting to do their second signing of the summer - after David Raya's permanent move, there could be roadblocks on the way. They happen to be in the final stages of the move, with discussions regarding the payment structure of the transfer fee ongoing.
Before his move to Bologna last summer, Calafiori played for Basel, where he also spent just one year. AS Roma notably sold him in the summer of 2022 after he made 18 appearances for the club.
Now, Basel are expected to receive half of the transfer fee Arsenal pay, with the other half going to Bologna. However, Roma are also expecting to receive £6.7 million from the deal, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Bible).
This has led to lawyers of both clubs taking a further look at the matter, with Roma expecting to receive a sell-on percentage from the move. The Italian giants notably earned £1 million when Basel sold the defender to Bologna.