Arsenal make ‘long-term proposal’ to sign Chelsea target valued at around €50m: Reports
Arsenal have reportedly taken a significant step towards signing Chelsea target Riccardo Calafiori, who is valued at around €50 million by his club Bologna. He has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in his position after shining for Italy at Euro 2024.
Calafiori was one of the stars of Bologna last season, helping them reach the UEFA Champions League following a fifth-place finish in Serie A. The young defender has been on the radars of multiple clubs since then, with the likes of Juventus, Chelsea, and Arsenal interested in him.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Mikel Arteta's side have sent a proposal for a long-term contract for the Italian centre-back. He added that he is happy to accept the offer. Chelsea also remain in the race for the defender but are unwilling to pay the €50 million asking price of his Italian club.
Bologna have a good relationship with Arsenal, having done business with them in the shape of Takehiro Tomiyasu in the past. The Serie A side were linked with selling Calafiori to Juventus. However, his performances at the Euros ensured that his value went up beyond the financial capability of the Italian side.
Calafiori's value is aided by the fact that his former club FC Basel have a 40% sell-on clause, meaning that nearly half of his transfer fee goes to them. The English side are aware of this and are prepared to pay up, having already intimated the player on plans for a contract.
The Italian will join the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior in the Gunners' backline. He will provide direct competition for the likes of Kiwior and Gabriel on the left side.
Arsenal midfielder set to complete La Liga switch - Reports
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is reportedly set to join La Liga outfit Sevilla on a season-long loan deal from the Gunners. The Belgian midfielder has verbally agreed with the Spanish side for the move, CaughtOffside confirms.
Sambi Lokonga spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Luton Town, returning to the Emirates after the relegation of the Hatters from the Premier League. The 24-year-old midfielder failed to perform very well to earn a place in the Gunners' squad for this season while with Luton.
Sevilla are in talks with Arsenal over the final details of the transfer, as they want an option to sign the midfielder at the end of his loan spell. The Gunners would prefer to include an obligation to buy in the contract, and both sides will continue talks to reach a conclusion.