Arsenal have now taken one big step closer to landing their first signing of this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners have made a slow start to the market with the European Championship and Copa America still going on in the background.
However, Mikel Arteta‘s side have begun to get the wheels turning at Arsenal as they close in on one of the hottest prospects around.
And it now appears the Gunners are nearing a deal for one of their top targets having agreed to terms on a five-year deal with the player.
Arsenal agree terms on contract for ‘special’ summer target
Defensive improvements would be welcomed by Arsenal despite ending the 2023/24 campaign with the Premier League’s best record when it comes to goals conceded.
Adding to Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba would show the Gunners’ ambition to really push on ahead of the new season as they aim to get their hands on the title.
The recipe for any title-winning side starts with the defence and Arsenal would certainly have one of Europe’s most formidable backlines if they are able to add further quality to the two starting centre-backs at the club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have now agreed to terms on Riccardo Calafiori‘s contract which will be valid until 2029.
A deal is not quite complete just yet with Bologna and the north Londoners still discussing the finances involved.
But Romano claims the Serie A outfit are still looking for a fee in the region of €50m (£42m).
One issue for Bologna will be that his former side, FC Basel, will collect 50% of the fee involved in any deal in excess of €4.5m (£3.8m) this summer.
Arsenal set to land one of Europe’s top talents
Despite just being 22-years-old the Italy international has already been branded ‘amazing‘ and would prove to be a big piece of business from the Gunners.
Calafiori was one of Euro 2024’s top talents having caught the eye of many during this summer’s tournament.
Former England manager Fabio Capello was left stunned by the Bologna defender during the tournament as he said: “I didn’t think someone making his debut could show this much personality. No fear,”
And a number of other Premier League clubs have shown their interest in the defender with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur credited.
So not only are Arsenal adding quality to their squad, but they are also getting one over on some of their bitter Premier League rivals.
