Arsenal have had a slow start to the transfer window with the signing of David Raya on a permanent deal being their only completed transfer so far.
The Gunners are keen to seal the signing of highly-rated Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, but the move is taking longer than expected to finalise.
There is reportedly a £8.5m gap in Arsenal’s and Bologna’s valuation of Calafiori which isn’t making things easy. The Italian side are also negotiating a 50% sell-on clause that his former club, Basel, have in his contract.
A new defender who can play left-back and centre-back, like Calafiori, is a priority for Mikel Arteta in this summer’s transfer window.
One alternative Arsenal could turn to if they miss out on Calafiori is Ajax star Jorrel Hato, who they’ve had on their shortlist for several months.
However, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid could swoop in for the talented 18-year-old after missing out on Leny Yoro, who has now signed for Manchester United.
It’s claimed that Hato, along with former Manchester City man Aymeric Laporte and Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite are on a three-man centre-back shortlist for the LaLiga giants.
Hato has just penned a new deal with Ajax, however, which is valid until 2028, so he wouldn’t be a cheap addition for Real Madrid or Arsenal.
