Arsenal is inching closer to securing the signature of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori after the Italian club reportedly accepted their improved offer of €50 million.

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC celebrates after the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on February 03, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC celebrates after the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 03, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Arsenal‘s initial €47 million bid for the 22-year-old Italian international was rejected by Bologna. The Serie A side, keen to maximise their profit from the player’s sale, held out for a higher fee, hoping to spark a bidding war with Chelsea, who were also reportedly interested in Calafiori.

However, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb has now reported that Arsenal‘s improved offer of €50 million has satisfied Bologna, and the club has given the green light for the transfer. The report further states that Calafiori himself is “convinced” by Arsenal‘s project and the offer presented to him, and “could soon sign” for the Gunners.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates after Mattia Zaccagni of Italy (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates after Mattia Zaccagni of Italy (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

The young defender’s impressive performances for Bologna last season, where he made 33 appearances and scored two goals, earned him a call-up to the Italian national team for Euro 2024. His versatility, able to play as both a centre-back and a left-back, makes him an attractive option for Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their defensive line.

Arsenal‘s previous dealings with Bologna, having signed Takehiro Tomiyasu from the club in 2021, could also play a role in facilitating this transfer. The Gunners will be hoping that the established relationship with the Italian club will help them secure Calafiori’s signature quickly, potentially even this week, according to TMW, who also say Arsenal have ‘beaten off competition from PSG, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus’ for his signature.

While the deal is not yet finalised, the acceptance of Arsenal‘s improved offer marks a significant step forward in their pursuit of Calafiori. The defender’s imminent arrival at the Emirates Stadium would be a major boost for Mikel Arteta‘s side, adding depth and quality to their defensive options.

Bologna will pay Calafiori’s former club, FC Basel, 40% or 50% of the profit they make on the sale. Reports of the exact amount of the sell-on clause have varied between Italian sources.