Leonardo Bonucci sends message to Arsenal over Riccardo Calafiori transfer

Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci believes Arsenal are signing a player in Riccardo Calafiori who will ‘become a reference point for the national team for the next 15 years’.

The Gunners are closing in a move for the 22-year-old defender having identified him as their top defensive target this summer.

The transfer has stalled in recent weeks over talks between Bologna and his former club FC Basel over a sell-on clause but Arsenal are thought to be close to finalising a €50million (€42m) deal to bring him to north London.

Calafiori played a key role in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season and impressed for Italy at Euro 2024 until their round of 16 exit against Switzerland – a game he missed through suspension.

Juventus were eager to keep the 22-year-old in Italy with club legend Bonucci ruing a missed opportunity to sign a player he believes will be a star for club and country for years to come.

‘Calafiori? I’m sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus,’ Bonucci told Sky Sports Italia.

‘He’s a defender who’s a little different to what we’re used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in.

‘We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years.’

Arsenal saw off interest from Chelsea to agree personal terms with Calafiori earlier this month.

Basel, who sold Calafiori last August for just €4m (£3.4m), are demanding 50 per cent of the transfer fee with Bologna unhappy with those terms given the defender spent just a year with the Swiss side and did not receive his first senior call-up with Italy until May this year.

In a bizarre twist on Saturday, his big money move to the Premier League appeared to be confirmed by the player’s ex-girlfriend on social media.