SUNDAY MORNING DEAL: Arsenal have just submitted an improved offer to sign 24yr superstar, Arteta wants Him for Key premier league project, personal terms already agreed
SUNDAY MORNING DEAL: Arsenal have just submitted an improved offer to sign 24yr superstar, Arteta wants Him for Key premier league project, personal terms already agreed
**Arsenal Close to Signing Second Player of Summer Transfer Window: Riccardo Calafiori**
Arsenal is about to make their second signing of the summer transfer season. Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is likely to join the Emirates Stadium soon. The Italian player has performed very well at Euro 2024, making him a valuable addition to Arsenal.
Even though it looks like Calafiori will be Arsenal’s second new player this summer after they permanently signed David Raya from Brentford, the negotiations are still ongoing. According to Corriere dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia, Arsenal has not yet agreed to Bologna’s €50 million asking price for Calafiori. The discussions between the two clubs are expected to continue.
If they reach an agreement, Calafiori will sign a five-year contract with Arsenal and will earn around €4 million per year. His addition would be a big win for Arsenal, who have been looking for a top-quality centre-back to play alongside William Saliba.
Calafiori’s strong defensive skills and his ability to pass the ball from the back make him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s playing style.
Bologna’s transfer chief, Giovanni Sartori, mentioned last week that Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League than to join Juventus, even though the player would prefer to move to Juventus. Sartori said that Bologna would consider significant offers for Calafiori and are open to selling him to the right club.
Initially, Calafiori was linked to a transfer to Liverpool, but now it seems Arsenal is leading the race to sign him.
Once Arsenal agrees to Bologna’s asking price, it won’t be long before Calafiori moves to the Emirates Stadium. This signing would greatly strengthen Arsenal’s defense and highlight the influence of Jorginho in the team.
Arsenal is determined to build a team capable of competing for the Premier League title. Signing Calafiori, one of the best young defenders in the world, would be a major step in improving their defense and boosting their title hopes.
**Nico Williams Transfer Deadline**
Nico Williams is reportedly the winger that Mikel Arteta wants to sign if Arsenal decides to add a player in that position this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all interested in the winger, but Barcelona seems to be his preferred destination.
However, it is not certain that Williams will move from the Basque Country to Catalunya. While SPORT reports that Williams is not considering offers from other clubs, he wants his future decided by the first week of August and has set this as a personal deadline.
According to football.london, Arteta’s interest in Williams makes sense, and Arsenal should be ready to act if Barcelona delays making a deal. Williams has a £47 million release clause, which should be affordable for Arsenal this summer. Additionally, offering Champions League football might give Arsenal an advantage over Chelsea.
Having a Spanish-speaking manager who wants the winger could also give Arsenal an edge over Liverpool if Barcelona fails to finalize a deal. Since Arsenal does not necessarily need a winger, they can be opportunistic and ready to make a move if the situation changes.