Arsenal open talks with Bologna over Italy star Riccardo Calafiori as Mikel Arteta appears to bolster his defensive choices with Chelsea additionally

Arsenal have opened talks with Bologna over a deal for Riccardo Calafiori and are discussing private phrases with the participant’s representatives.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is eager to herald defensive reinforcements after ending runners-up behind Manchester Metropolis for the second consecutive Premier League season.

The Italy centre-back impressed throughout their tepid Euro 2024 marketing campaign – taking part in everything of each group recreation – after a breakthrough season with Bologna that noticed the membership qualify for the Champions League.

Calafiori was an enormous miss in Italy’s last-16 knockout defeat in opposition to Switzerland after being suspended for choosing up too many yellow playing cards throughout the group phases and is now eager to type his membership future.

Arsenal have recognized Calafiori as certainly one of their high defensive candidates and at the moment are making an attempt to push by means of a deal earlier than their pre-season tour of the USA begins.

Nonetheless, the Gunners face stiff competitors from Chelsea for the Italian who’re anticipated to once more spend closely following a disappointing season.

Liverpool have additionally been linked with a transfer for the 22-year-old however have little interest in difficult Arsenal or different golf equipment for the rising star’s signature.

Calafiori is well liked by Arteta due to his ball-playing potential and confidence when stepping out from the back-line as he demonstrated excellently in Italy’s latest 1-1 draw with Croatia.

His arrival would supply competitors amongst Arsenal’s centre-back ranks with Gabriel and William Saliba amongst the Premier League’s greatest, whereas Jurrien Timber stays unproven after his injury-hit season following his transfer from Ajax final summer time.

Bologna have beforehand expressed their want to maintain maintain of Calafiori however will contemplate any high-value supply, with the membership’s technical director Giovanni Sartori beforehand outlining their stance.

 ‘We are going to attempt to hold Calafiori but when necessary provides arrive we must take them into consideration,’ he advised Sky Sports activities Italia.

‘I do not suppose he’ll go to Juventus. He’ll most likely go to a unique market,’ he added.

In the meantime, Chelsea are additionally monitoring Jarrad Branthwaite’s state of affairs at Everton however are but to make any formal transfer, whereas Man United have had a gap bid rejected by the Toffees.