Arsenal‘s imminent signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna is set to make a significant mark on Premier League transfer history.

The deal, valued at €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses, is expected to place Calafiori third on the list of most expensive Italian players ever signed by a Premier League club.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY - JUNE 26: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at Hemberg-Stadion prior to the Italy training session on June 26, 2024 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)
ISERLOHN, GERMANY – JUNE 26: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at Hemberg-Stadion prior to the Italy training session on June 26, 2024 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Historically, the Premier League has not been a popular destination for Italian footballers. However, the league’s continued dominance and financial power have attracted a wave of Italian talent in recent years. Calafiori‘s transfer, despite strong interest from Juventus, is a testament to this trend, further marking the Premier League as a global footballing powerhouse.

The deal is expected to be finalised following Calafiori‘s medical at Arsenal on Friday. The 22-year-old will then join the Gunners’ squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, potentially making his debut against Manchester United or Liverpool.

Calafiori‘s arrival at Arsenal will not only add depth to their defensive options but also provide tactical flexibility, as he can play both at centre-back and left-back. His impressive performances for Bologna last season, contributing to their Champions League qualification, and his standout displays for Italy at Euro 2024, saw Arsenal have to fight off strong competition from across Europe, as well as from closer to home in Chelsea and Tottenham.

BERLIN, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy at Olympiastadion on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)
BERLIN, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy at Olympiastadion on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

This high-profile transfer also has financial implications for Calafiori‘s former club, Basel. The Swiss club is entitled to a substantial sell-on clause, estimated to be around 50% of Bologna‘s profit on the deal.

Calafiori‘s transfer fee of €50 million will place him behind only Sandro Tonali (€64 million to Newcastle United) and Jorginho (€57 million to Chelsea) as the most expensive Italian players in Premier League history.

Here are the top five most expensive Italian transfers in Premier League history:

  1. Sandro Tonali: €64 million (AC Milan to Newcastle United)
  2. Jorginho: €57 million (Napoli to Chelsea)
  3. Riccardo Calafiori: €50 million (Bologna to Arsenal)
  4. Gianluca Scamacca: €45 million (Sassuolo to West Ham)
  5. Mario Balotelli: €29.5 million (Inter Milan to Manchester City)

With Calafiori‘s move to Arsenal all but confirmed, the focus now shifts to his integration into the squad and the impact he will have on the Gunners’ defensive line.