Fabrizio Romano reports that talks between Arsenal and Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori are still ongoing, with Bologna insisting on a €50m (£42.1m) fee.
Arsenal seemingly want to pay a lower fee, including add-ons as part of the total.
From Calafiori’s point of view, he’s simply waiting for the deal to be done, as he wants to join Arsenal.
The news that Arsenal want to pay less than Bologna’s asking price isn’t particularly surprising, with David Ornstein reporting on The Athletic FC podcast this week that many in the game feel €50m is above his market value.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Arsenal are willing to get to that €50m figure if add-ons are included in that total, but they aren’t willing to pay €50m as the base fee with add-ons on top of that.
The player’s agent is reportedly attempting to bridge the remaining gap between the two clubs.
Various reports have confirmed that Arsenal are looking to get a deal done this week, or at least before the team head off to the United States on July 21st.
Personal terms have already been agreed on a contract to 2029, and Basel will receive 50% of the profit Bologna make from the transfer due to a sell-on clause.
Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24. As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back.
Calafiori would be Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, having already brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard as well as signing David Raya from Brentford on a permanent deal.