Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal negotiations with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori are at a standstill, with the two clubs apart on a fee and Jakub Kiwior reluctant to be used as a makeweight in the deal.
Yet Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Bologna are on the hunt for a replacement, with a keen interest in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
According to the claims, Rugani’s agent met with the Bologna hierarchy on Thursday to understand the feasibility of a potential transfer.
A serious bid for Rugani would certainly suggest that Bologna expect to lose Calafiori this summer, and Arsenal are currently the only club in the race for the defender.
Whilst the likes of Chelsea and Juventus previously showed an interest in the centre-back, the player has been clear he wants to join Arsenal, so those rival bidders have turned elsewhere.
There are no guarantees, and Bologna would probably claim they’re only doing the groundwork in case Arsenal happen to meet their terms. But it’s a positive sign, at least.
Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24, before playing for Italy at Euro 2024. As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back.
If he eventually joins, Calafiori would be Arsenal’s third or fourth signing of the summer.
The Gunners have already brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard as well as signing David Raya from Brentford on a permanent deal, with a fee now also agreed for Tommy Setford.