Report: Arsenal confident of signing 'really intelligent' player; uncertain whether he will on pre-season tour

Arsenal are jetting off for their pre-season tour of America this weekend and are unclear whether they’ll have a new signing to go along with the travelling party.

Just like last summer, Arsenal have tried to do some business early and ahead of them jetting off abroad.

Last summer saw the arrivals of Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice and all were involved in the pre-season trip to the States as they bedded in.

However, for all the will of trying to get deals done in 2024, Arsenal have yet to manage it.

With the plane set to depart for the USA on Sunday, Arsenal are facing a nervy wait over whether they can add key targets.

And according to a report from The Times, that’s the situation Arsenal find themselves in when it comes to Italian defender, Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal still unclear over Riccardo Calafiori signing

According to the report from The Times, there remains a confidence at Arsenal that they will get a deal over the line for the ‘really intelligent‘ Calafiori in the end.

However, it is also claimed that the Gunners are unsure whether they’ll manage to get things done in time for the trip to the US this weekend.

The Italian is thought to be keen on the move but as of now, no agreements have been reached between Bologna and Arsenal.

Arsenal apparently have further meetings lined up with Calafiori, while there’s also been an apparent interest from Real Madrid as well.

Further, it’s also been suggested the Jakub Kiwior’s reluctance to move back to Serie A is playing a role in holding the deal up.

As it stands, Arsenal and Bologna are not close enough when it comes to the nuances of the payment structure and how that will work over time.

And in reality, until that is sorted, Calafiori won’t be getting on any plane to America.