Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is ongoing with the clubs still in talks, but a deal has yet to be finalised due to disagreements over the transfer fee.

While Calafiori has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal, Bologna is seeking approximately £42 million for the Italian international, who they acquired last summer for £3.4 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)

Bologna are hoping for a larger upfront payment, considering the 50% sell-on clause owed to Calafiori’s former club, Basel. Negotiations have stalled as Arsenal and Bologna attempt to find a compromise on the fee structure.

Despite the ongoing discussions, Calafiori has been asked to attend Bologna’s pre-season training next week after his holiday following Euro 2024. However, a key development in the saga is Bologna’s active search for a replacement, showing their expectation of Calafiori’s departure.

Arsenal view the 22-year-old defender as a crucial addition to their squad, offering versatility as both a left-back and inverted full-back capable of moving into midfield positions. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, sees Calafiori as providing competition for Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba in central defence.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at the training ground at Hemberg-Stadion on June 23, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Potential sales of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson to Fulham, Crystal Palace, or West Ham could provide Arsenal with additional funds to pursue their interest in midfielders Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, who are also on Barcelona and Atlético Madrid‘s radar.

Although negotiations for Calafiori are currently at a standstill, Bologna’s pursuit of a replacement, specifically Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, indicates their anticipation of losing the Italian defender. While Bologna may claim they are merely preparing in case Arsenal meets their terms, it’s a positive sign for the Gunners.

If the deal is completed, Calafiori would become Arsenal’s third or fourth summer signing, following the acquisitions of goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard and David Raya, with a fee already agreed for Tommy Setford. The Gunners are clearly looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season, and Calafiori’s versatility and Champions League experience would undoubtedly be a valuable asset.