Arsenal are on the verge of completing their second major signing of the summer, with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori set to undergo a medical imminently ahead of a £42 million move from Bologna.
The 22-year-old is expected to join his new teammates in the US for their pre-season tour, potentially featuring in upcoming friendlies against Manchester United and Liverpool.
![Arsenal medical imminent for Riccardo Calafiori 1 LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JUNE 24: Luka Modric of Croatia and Riccardo Calafiori of Italy compete for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/07/croatia-v-italy-group-b-uefa-euro-2024-scaled-e1721466525319.jpg)
Calafiori’s medical will be a crucial step in finalising the transfer. A typical football medical involves a series of comprehensive tests and assessments to evaluate the player’s overall health and fitness.
These tests usually include:
- Cardiovascular examination: Assessing the heart’s function through an ECG and stress tests.
- Musculoskeletal assessment: Examining the player’s muscles, joints, and bones for any injuries or weaknesses. This includes X-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasound examinations.
- Respiratory function tests: Evaluating lung capacity and function through spirometry and other tests.
- Neurological examination: Assessing the player’s reflexes, coordination, and balance.
- Ophthalmological examination: Checking the player’s vision and eye health.
- Blood and urine tests: Screening for any underlying medical conditions or infections.
In addition to these standard tests, Calafiori may undergo further evaluations specific to his previous injury history. He was sidelined for a significant portion of the 18/19 season due to an ACL injury, so the medical team will likely pay close attention to his knee and any potential long-term effects.
If Calafiori passes his medical without any concerns, the transfer will proceed, and he will officially become an Arsenal player. The Gunners are eager to add the versatile defender to their squad, as he can operate both as a centre-back and left-back, offering Mikel Arteta valuable tactical flexibility.
Calafiori’s arrival could also trigger the departure of Jakub Kiwior, who has attracted interest from Inter Milan. The potential move represents a significant profit for Bologna, who acquired Calafiori from Basel for just £3.4 million last year.