"Situation is now clear" - Bologna boss provides Riccardo Calafiori update ahead of latter's impending Arsenal move
Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano has provided an update on the future of Riccardo Calafiori, who is reportedly close to joining Arsenal. As reported by 90Min on Wednesday, July 24, the Gunners agreed on a deal with the Serie A side for the signature of the Italy international.
As per the report, the Gunners have agreed to a £42 million deal with Bologna to sign the 22-year-old centre-back. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the in-demand defender since Euro 2024 and seem to be finally landing their target.
Now, newly-appointed Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano has seemed to confirm that the defender is on his way out of the Serie A side. Italiano told Sky Sports Italy, as quoted by 90Min:
"Calafiori's situation is now clear."
As per the report, the Italian is expected to join up with Arsenal's pre-season squad in the United States. However, Mikel Arteta has refused to remark on Calafiori's imminent move to the club. The Gunners boss said (via 90min):
"There is no update. As soon as we have something to say we will say. You know I don't like talking about external players."
Calafiori enjoyed a brilliant season at Bologna last time out while also impressing for Italy in Euro 2024. He made 37 appearances for the Serie A side last season, helping them keep 19 clean sheets.
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal are in talks to sell midfielder
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gunners are looking to part ways with Emile Smith Rowe. The England international was an unused substitute in the Gunners' pre-season friendly against AFC Bournemouth on Thursday, July 25.
Mikel Arteta's side won 5-4 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 in normal time but the manager did not turn to Smith Rowe. While explaining his decision not to call upon the 23-year-old, Arteta admitted that the player was on his way out of the Emirates. The Arsenal manager said (via Football.London):
There are things happening in the background so we felt it was best not to use him."
Smith Rowe emerged as a key player under Mikel Arteta in his early days as the Gunners' boss. However, he has become a bit-part player over the last two seasons, mainly owing to his injury problems.
The attacking midfielder has played just 671 minutes of first-team football over the last two seasons. Smith Rowe has made 115 appearances across competitions for the Gunners till date, contributing with 18 goals and 13 assists. As per Metro, the midfielder is close to joining Fulham in a £35 million deal.