Bologna’s preparations for the 2024/2025 season are underway, with the team departing for their summer retreat in Valles without defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The 22-year-old Italian international’s absence is a clear indication that his move to Arsenal is imminent.

Bologna are heading off for their pre-season camp in Valles, Spain and have listed the players they are taking with them.

Riccardo Calafiori is not one of them.

The Gunners have reportedly agreed to a €45 million deal with Bologna for Calafiori, outbidding several European giants including Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal’s successful pursuit of Calafiori is a significant coup, as the club fended off competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham. The young defender is expected to sign a lucrative five-year contract with the Gunners, worth €4 million per season this week.

The transfer has also sparked a complex financial dispute involving three clubs. Bologna’s sale of Calafiori triggers a 50% sell-on clause with his former club, Basel, potentially entitling them to a €22.5 million windfall. However, Roma, Calafiori’s youth club, claims a 40% stake in Basel’s share of the profit, which could amount to €8-9 million.

The disagreement between Roma and Basel has escalated, with Roma threatening legal action to secure their share of the transfer fee. Despite this ongoing dispute, Calafiori’s move to Arsenal is expected to proceed as planned.

As Bologna embark on their pre-season preparations without Calafiori, Arsenal fans eagerly await the official announcement of his signing. The young defender’s arrival will undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal’s defensive options and add another dimension to their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.