Arsenal set to seal signing of Euro 2024 breakout star in €50M deal: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who earned plaudits for his excellent displays at Euro 2024 with Italy. The versatile center-back is headed to the Emirates and will become the Gunners' first summer signing.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that a new proposal for Calafiori was sent in recent hours and that talks are at an advanced stage. He's set to join the Premier League giants in a €50 million deal, including add-ons and a sell-on clause.
Calafiori, 22, has agreed to a five-year deal with Arsenal and is waiting for the transfer to be finalized. It will be a coup for Mikel Arteta, as he put Europe on notice with fine performances at Euro 2024 in Germany.
The Roma-born defender made three appearances for Italy at the European Championships as they crashed out in the last 16. He provided a superb assist for Mattia Zaccagni in a 1-1 draw against Croatia.
Calafiori was also impressed at the club level with Bologna last season, appearing 37 times across competitions and helping his side keep 16 clean sheets. He also chipped in with two goals and five assists, playing a key role as I Rossoblu qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal set their sights on Calafiori after a frustrating past season regarding their left-back situation. It was their least settled position on the pitch with Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all appearing in the role.
Calafiori is tall, strong, and pacey. He can play center-back or left-back. He's composed on the ball and isn't afraid to break forward, as seen with his assist against Croatia.
"Never scared" - Alessandro Del Piero gave a glowing verdict of Arsenal-bound Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori's stock grew tenfold at Euro 2024 when he was arguably Italy's best player in a disappointing campaign for the former European champions. He excelled at the back for Luciano Spalletti's side with consistent performances.
There were signs of his brilliance on his European Championships debut in a 2-1 win against Albania. He made three interceptions and won three of six ground duels and all three of his aerial duels.
Alessandro Del Piero was impressed by his outing against the Albanians. The Juventus legend analyzed his performance by alluding to his courageousness (via talkSPORT):
"Calafiori was never scared, it looked like he played 70 games for Italy."
It bodes well for Arsenal who are once again looking to bounce back from Premier League title race heartbreak. They fell short to Manchester City once again, and Calafiori could be the type of signing to help bolster their defense, which was extremely impressive last season.