UK Media: Bologna and Arsenal Yet to Reach Agreement; Calafiori Ordered to Attend Pre-Season Training

According to reports from Sky Sports and the UK’s Daily Mail: Arsenal has been keen on signing Italian international Calafiori, but the two clubs have been unable to agree on a transfer fee. As a result, Bologna has instructed Calafiori to attend the team’s pre-season training.

Under Arteta’s leadership, the Gunners secured second place in the Premier League for the second consecutive season, and the team hopes to strengthen its defense through new signings. The North London club views Calafiori as one of the potential reinforcements for their defense and hopes to complete the transfer before the start of their US tour next week. However, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled due to a £8.4 million difference in valuation.

Arsenal’s offer stands at £33.6 million, including add-ons. However, Bologna is seeking £42 million, causing negotiations to stall. Sources in Italy confirm that one of the main reasons Bologna is holding out for a high price is because they will not receive the full transfer fee, with 40% of it going to Calafiori’s former club, Swiss side Basel, according to a sell-on clause.

Sky Sports notes that the 22-year-old Calafiori has already agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal. However, with the two clubs failing to agree on a price, Bologna has ordered Calafiori to attend the team’s summer pre-season training. As required, Calafiori is scheduled to join up with the team in Valls, Spain, on July 22. Currently, the player is on holiday after featuring in every group stage match for Italy at Euro 2024, receiving some positive reviews. However, he was suspended for accumulation of yellow cards in the knockout stages, which was considered one of the reasons for Italy’s elimination.

Arsenal is about to embark on their US tour, where they will play friendlies against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool starting from July 25, as part of their preparations for the new season.