Arsenal’s Transfer Deal for Riccardo Calafiori Under Threat
Arsenal appeared to be close to securing a deal for Bologna and Italy star Riccardo Calafiori this summer, but negotiations have hit a standstill, putting the transfer in jeopardy.
The Gunners have already agreed on personal terms with the defender, who is eager to join the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season. However, the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement on the transfer fee.
According to Matteo Moretto, Bologna is demanding a fixed fee of €50m plus bonuses for Calafiori, while Arsenal is pushing for a deal at a lower price. The Gunners are proposing a fixed fee of €45m with additional bonuses, indicating that the clubs are not too far apart in their valuation of the player.
One major factor complicating the deal is FC Basel, as the Swiss club will receive 50% of any future sale. Bologna is seeking a higher fee to offset this sell-on clause, but Arsenal is trying to negotiate a discount with Basel. As a result, talks have come to a halt, leaving the transfer in limbo.
Writing in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside’s The Daily Briefing, Moretto shed light on the current situation with Calafiori and why the deal is facing delays.
“For some time we’ve known that Arsenal are after Riccardo Calafiori, and while things looked like they were moving quickly at one stage, it’s not over the line yet. Calafiori has an agreement with Arsenal, but the clubs have not yet reached an agreement,” Moretto explained.
“Bologna want a fixed fee of €50m with bonuses on top of that. Arsenal want to do the deal for less money. They are currently suggesting a deal with a fixed fee of €45m with bonuses on top of that.”
“One of the key things to consider is that Basel have a percentage of the deal coming their way, so Bologna have to give some of the money from the sale to Basel. Arsenal are trying to discount the percentage that would go to Basel, but the negotiations are not advancing at the moment, they’re completely at a standstill right now. The player is on standby waiting for them to solve the issue. Let’s see what comes of it.”
Despite the current deadlock, it is not the end of the road for Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori. The player’s versatility in playing as a center-back and left-back makes him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s squad. As negotiations remain in a stalemate, there is still hope that the deal could be revived in the days and weeks to come.
