Arsenal aiming to complete transfer deal before key date for Mikel Arteta

July 8, 2024Ligue 1

Arsenal are reportedly aiming to complete a transfer deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori before the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

The Italy international has impressed in Serie A, and it makes sense that he’s emerged as a top target for Arsenal this summer, with Mikel Arteta in need of upgrades on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.

According to the Daily Mail, Calafiori is now Arsenal’s top defensive target, and they’re hoping to get this deal done soon, with Arteta keen to have the 22-year-old on board for when his side jet off to America for their pre-season preparations.

It will undoubtedly be important for Calafiori to get as much time with his new Arsenal teammates as possible, as it could be quite a specific new role that Arteta has in mind for him.

Calafiori transfer: What Fabrizio Romano has said about the Arsenal target

Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal?

As per the Daily Briefing, Arsenal are confident over signing Calafiori, with the player keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrizio Romano also posted on X earlier today to make it clear that the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are not currently in the race for Calafiori, who only wants to join Arsenal.

“Riccardo Calafiori’s currently only waiting for Arsenal after personal terms agreed, it’s his clear favourite destination. No talks taking place with PSG, Bayer Leverkusen or Chelsea,” Romano said.