Arsenal Set to Secure Bologna’s Rising Star Riccardo Calafiori
Any hope of Juventus re-entering the race to sign Riccardo Calafiori has ended as the Bianconeri shift their focus to acquiring Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. Calafiori, who had been Juventus’ top defensive target this summer, agreed on personal terms with the club before Euro 2024. However, his impressive performances at the Euros increased his value beyond what Juventus was willing to pay.
Arsenal emerged as the frontrunner, outbidding Juventus with a deal exceeding €50 million. Consequently, Juventus has now focused on signing Nice center-back Jean-Clair Todibo. According to Romeo Agresti, Juventus is preparing a new bid this week, proposing a loan with an obligation to buy for around €35 million. Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Nice is eager to offload Todibo before August and is open to the offer.
This shift leaves the path clear for Calafiori to finalize his transfer to Arsenal, potentially becoming official this week. The Bologna center-back has agreed on personal terms with the Gunners on a contract until 2029, worth €4 million a year. Arsenal has beaten out competition from several major clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayer Leverkusen. Calafiori’s former club, Basel, will receive a 40-50% sell-on amount when the defender is sold.
Calafiori was one of the breakout stars of the Serie A season in 2023-24, playing a key role in Bologna’s unexpected qualification for the Champions League. A modern center-back, Calafiori excels in pressing and reading the game. He is known for his ball skills, bringing the ball out of defense, and contributing to play construction in midfield and beyond. Aggressive and strong in the air, he was converted from a left-back to a center-back by former Bologna manager Thiago Motta, now Juventus’ head coach.
The 22-year-old also had a brilliant Euro 2024 group stage, notably setting up Mattia Zaccagni’s 98th-minute equalizer for Italy against Croatia.
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