The London giants have identified Calafiori as one of their top summer targets and Corriere dello Sport claim that they have tabled an opening bid worth £40 million for the 22-year-old.
Bologna have not accepted the proposal from the Gunners and they are eyeing at least £42.4m, considering Calafiori’s former club Basel are owed 40 per cent of any profit.
Mikel Arteta’s side have yet to make an improved bid but Di Marzio reports that the ‘paths of Riccardo Calafiori and Arsenal’ are getting ‘closer and closer’.
Despite interest from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen, the Gunners have presented a more intriguing project for the player and Bologna.
Arsenal are in pole position to sign the Italian star from the Serie A outfit.
Gunners on the cusp of landing Calafiori
Arsenal have had a quiet transfer window thus far. There has been little speculation linking them with players which suggests that they are working secretly behind the scenes.
Calafiori appears to be one of their targets and the club are moving closer to an agreement after their opening bid. They are likely to make a renewed offer to meet Bologna’s demands.
The Gunners’ main competition comes from Chelsea, but they should be confident of securing a deal, considering they are in the Champions League which the Blues can’t offer next term.
Calafiori would be a fine signing as he would cover two defensive roles. He can comfortably operate from both sides of central defence and also has the ability to play from left-back.
His ball-playing skills and aerial presence are his main strengths. The Italian is also superb with his tackling and ball recoveries. He can chip in with goal contributions as well.
Arsenal could see him as a replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who has been linked with a possible return to Serie A this summer amid interest from Juventus as well as AC Milan.
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