Arsenal Identify Two Backup Options as Calafiori Eager for Transfer

Riccardo Calafiori is reportedly ‘keen’ on a move to Arsenal, though the Gunners have drawn up a shortlist of two alternatives should the transfer deal with Bologna not materialize, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal Push Forward with Calafiori Negotiations

News broke on Wednesday that Arsenal had received the ‘green light‘ from Calafiori and his representatives, indicating a potential deal between the north London club and Bologna.

The player is said to be ‘open to joining’ Arsenal, though Juventus’ interest has caused some uncertainty due to the historic preference of Italian players to stay in their home country.

However, Romano has revealed that Calafiori is not only open to the move but actively keen for both clubs to engage in negotiations.

Although interest from Italy’s elite clubs remains a concern for Arsenal, the deal seems to be progressing positively.

Arsenal Prepare Backup Plans for Calafiori Transfer

Bologna is demanding £43m for Calafiori, who was one of the stars of this summer’s Euros.

The 22-year-old thrived in Bologna’s rise to Champions League qualification last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions.

After enduring a career-threatening knee injury at 16, Calafiori rebuilt his confidence during a stint at FC Basel before returning to Italy last summer.

Now, he is one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders, with Arsenal confident of securing a deal.

Romano has mentioned that Arsenal, last season’s Premier League runners-up, have two names on their shortlist should the Calafiori deal fall through.

He stated, “The player is keen on the move, this for Arsenal is really crucial news. Now, it really depends on what happens between clubs, but Arsenal are doing something important for Calafiori. They have two more names on their short list in case the deal doesn’t work, as Arsenal want to sign a left-footed defender this summer.”

Arsenal’s pursuit of a left-sided defender is well-documented, with doubts about Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s futures and the need for a reliable back-up to Gabriel Magalhaes.

While few details have emerged about the two-man shortlist, the Gunners were previously linked with left-back Ferdi Kadioglu.

Arsenal Pursue Midfield Reinforcement

In addition to a defensive reinforcement, Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder this summer and haven’t given up on signing long-term target Martin Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad player has previously expressed reluctance to leave Spain, but Arsenal remain interested, believing they can convince him to join the Emirates.

The 25-year-old has caught Mikel Arteta‘s eye with his attributes, making him a potential replacement for the possibly departing Thomas Partey.

With question marks over Partey’s future at the club, Arsenal are looking at several deep-lying midfielders to fill any potential void.