Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly been asked to attend pre-season training by Bologna as the two clubs are struggling to agree on a fee for the defender.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in defensive reinforcements after finishing runners-up behind Manchester City for the second consecutive Premier League season.
The north London side have identified Calafiori as one of their top defensive candidates and have been attempting to push through a deal before their pre-season tour of the USA begins next week.
However, negotiations with Bologna are at a standstill over an £8.4million difference in valuation as per Sky Sport.
Arsenal have offered £33.6m plus add-ons for Calafiori but the Serie A side, who are set to compete in the Champions League, are demanding more.
Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly been asked to attend pre-season training by Bologna
Arsenal have offered £33.6m plus add-ons and agreed personal terms with Italian defender
This is due to the fact that Calafiori’s former club FC Basel have a right to 40 per cent of the sell on fee.
The same publication claims that the 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with Arsenal over a five-year deal.
Calafiori is set to be part of the Bologna squad that travels to Valles, Spain for pre-season on July 22.
The Italy centre-back impressed during their tepid Euro 2024 campaign – playing the entirety of every group game – after a breakthrough season with Bologna.
Calafiori was a huge miss in Italy’s last-16 knockout defeat against Switzerland after being suspended for picking up too many yellow cards across the group stages and is now keen to sort his club future.
Arsenal will get preparations for the new season underway with a friendly against Bournemouth on July 25 in Los Angeles.
Their tour of the USA also includes friendlies against Manchester United and Liverpool.
