'They will do the deal': 'Very exciting' player has told Chelsea that he wants to sign for Arsenal - journalist

One player has rejected a move to Chelsea and has told them that he wants to join Arsenal.

The Gunners and the Blues haven’t just been fierce rivals on the pitch but they have locked horns in a few transfer battles over the years as well.

Chelsea thought they had the last laugh in the Mykhaylo Mudryk race, but many people think Arsenal dodged a bullet there.

The two London clubs were set to battle it out for another player in this summer’s transfer window, but it looks like Chelsea never stood a chance in this race.

That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Let us tell you what he said.

What happened when Chelsea tried to sign Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has been a wanted man for a few months now.

The talented defender had a fine season at Bologna in 2023/24, and he continued his brilliant form to Euro 2024 as well, where he starred for Italy.

It became very clear during the Euros that Calafiori, described as a ‘very exciting prospect‘, will leave Bologna for a bigger team in this window.

Tottenham really wanted to sign Calafiori and were linked with a move to sign him more than any other side. Liverpool and West Ham were said to be interested in Calafiori too.

Di Marzio has now revealed that Chelsea also tried to sign the Bologna star not too long ago, but Enzo Maresca’s side faced instant rejection.

The journalist has revealed that Calafiori said ‘no’ to the Blues and made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.

Di Marzio has also claimed that he expects this deal to be done in the coming days.

After hailing Calafiori as the ‘perfect Premier League defender’, Di Marzio told Sky Sports: “He has a high price because Bologna want €50 million (£42m) plus bonuses plus a percentage (of future sale).

“Arsenal is a bit less in their offer, but I think they will do the deal, yes. I think so (he will join the Gunners) because he wants Arsenal. In his mind, it’s only Arsenal.

“Even Chelsea tried to get him but the player said ‘no, I want Arsenal’ because I think Arsenal is considered by the player and his agents the perfect step for his career now.”

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How much Arsenal have bid for Calafiori

All signs point towards Calafiori joining Arsenal from Bologna, but it’s not done yet.

The Gunners and the Italian club have been locked in talks to find an agreement. Both sides want the deal to happen – reports have even claimed that Bologna are waiting for Calafiori to join Arsenal.

The problem right now is the transfer fee.

It has been claimed that Arsenal’s current bid for Calaciori is an initial €40 million (£33m) plus €10 million (£8m) in add-ons. That takes the whole figure to €50 million, which Bologna want.

However, as Di Marzio explained above, the Serie A side are demanding a guaranteed figure of €50 million. They also want add-ons and a sell-on clause inserted in the deal on top of the initial fee.

Arsenal and Bologna are still talking, and the expectation is that the two sides will come to an agreement soon.