Bologna chief speaks out on future of Arsenal transfer target Riccardo Calafiori

Bologna’s chief executive has poured cold water on rumours suggesting Riccardo Calafiori’s move to Arsenal is imminent. 

The Gunners have been trying to get a deal over the line for the Italy defender but have hit a number of stumbling blocks in recent weeks. 

Mikel Arteta identified the 22-year-old as a key target in this summer transfer window and hoped he would be able to join up with the squad for the US pre-season tour.

Earlier this week, it was claimed a €40m fee had been agreed between Arsenal and the Serie A side, but the finer details of a sell-on clause with his former club FC Basel were causing delays. 

The Times also reported defender Jakub Kiwior was reluctant to leave north London to act as a makeweight in the transfer.

Calafiori has been widely expected to complete his move to the Premier League before the season starts despite the hold ups, with personal terms reportedly already ironed out.

But now Bologna’s CEO Claudio Fenucci has put another spanner in the works by suggesting there’s been no progress between the two clubs.

When questioned by a reporter today who asked Fenucci if there was ‘any news about Calafiori’ and ‘the negotiations with Arsenal’, he bluntly replied: ‘No, there is no news.’

Juventus have also been linked with Calafiori but Fenucci also denied that rumour, saying: ‘Juventus? I haven’t heard anything.’

The reporter again repeated his question of whether there were any updates on talks with either Juventus or Arsenal as Fenucci got into the back of a car.

He said, ‘no, no,’ before closing the door.

Following the latest snag, Calafiori is now expected to return for pre-season training with Bologna this weekend as the transfer saga rumbles on. 

Arsenal, who are yet to confirm any summer signings other than making the move for David Raya a permanent one, will fly out to America for the start of their pre-season tour on Sunday before playing Bournemouth on July 25.

Arteta’s side then face Manchester United and Liverpool on July 28 and August 1.

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