Arsenal 'reach agreement' as five year contract emerges for £40m Euros star

Arsenal have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign the Italy and Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, fending off interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus. The deal is said to be until 2029 and with reports indicating it will be €3.5 million/year (£2.9m)

Calafiori, 22, had a breakout season with Bologna in Serie A last campaign and helped them to a fifth place finish, securing a spot in next year’s Champions League competition. His impressive performances have been rewarded with his first call-up to a major tournament and the centre-back went on to play in three of Italy’s four Euros 2024 fixtures as they reached the last16 of the tournament.

Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new left-sided centre-back who can help deputise for the formidable partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba as well as support in the seemingly lacking left-back role.

Calafiori has plenty of experience in both central and left-back roles. The 22-year-old has been playing left-back for his national side but enjoyed the majority of the 2023/24 season in the more central defensive role, ensuring his club conceded just 32 goals in 38 fixtures.

Taking to X, the Italian sports journalist Nicolo Schira wrote: “Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Riccardo Calafiori for a contract until 2029.”

Fabrizio Romano has also added fuel to the fire by posting on his social media: “Arsenal have presented long term proposal to Riccardo Calafiori, after interest revealed last week. Understand player’s open to joining Arsenal if they can agree terms with Bologna. Chelsea are still there. Arsenal and Chelsea, the only two clubs in talks right now.”

Calafiori only signed with the Serie A side last summer in deal worth £3.3 million from Swiss side FC Basel. He still has three years remaining on his current Serie A contract and Bologna will reportedly wanting around €50 million (£42m) for his sale. Basel are reported to receive 40% of any fee above €4m for Calafiori’s sale.