Arsenal are facing a delay in the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori due to a war of words between Bologna and the defender’s former club FC Basel, according to reports in Italy.
Mikel Arteta has made Calafiori one of his top targets for the summer window and Arsenal have held talks with Bologna over a deal for the 22-year-old.
Bologna are understood to have accepted Arsenal’s offer, which is €40m (£33. 5m) upfront plus an additional €5m (£4. 2m). pounds sterling) of accessories.
Arsenal have also agreed non-public terms with the defender, who will feature in 3 of Italy’s matches at Euro 2024 this summer.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the calendar is delayed as Bologna and Basel are at an impasse over Calafiori’s resale clause.
Basel, who sold Calafiori last year for €4m (£3. 4m), do not have an easy 50% transfer fee that Arsenal will have to pay, but Bologna are not satisfied with the terms given that the defender only spent a year with the Swiss team. and he did not win his first senior call-up with Italy until May of this year.
The report states that Calafiori’s resolution is “stalled”, Basel refuse to reduce their demand, while the Serie A club is looking to renegotiate the resale clause, as the increase in his price since last year is due to their confidence in the player. and its development.
Bologna had hoped Calafiori’s move to Arsenal would come to fruition shortly after the end of Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, but the finisher is now expected to return for his pre-season education this week ahead of his educational camp in Valles, Alto Adige, located in northern Italy. Italy.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have re-educated some of their players and those who took part in Euro 2024 and Copa America are enjoying an extended break.
Mikel Arteta’s team will fly to the United States to begin their pre-season tour on July 21.
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