Arsenal and Bologna Agree on Riccardo Calafiori Transfer in €45m Deal
In a significant move, Arsenal and Bologna have finalized the Riccardo Calafiori transfer. The transfer fee is reported to be €40 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons. The deal also includes a sell-on clause, ensuring Bologna will benefit from any future transfer of the player.
About Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori, born on May 19, 2002, has been recognized as one of Italy’s top young defenders. Known for his physicality, excellent positioning, and marking abilities, Calafiori has shown promising talent throughout his career. He currently plays for Bologna and has represented the Italy national team.
Calafiori’s journey has seen him develop through several clubs, starting with AS Roma. He had a brief loan spell at Genoa in January 2022. He returned to AS Roma in July 2022 before moving to FC Basel 1893 in September 2022 for €1 million. On August 31, 2023, he made his way to Bologna.
Performance and Stats
His recent performance with Bologna in the Serie A 2023-2024 season was impressive. Calafiori made 30 appearances, scored two goals, and provided five assists. His total minutes played amounted to 2347, and he maintained a strong rating of 7.223. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, leading to the interest from Arsenal.
Transfer Details
The final step in the transfer process involved Basel and Bologna agreeing on the 50% sell-on payment terms. With this agreement now in place, the transfer is officially complete.
Arsenal’s Defensive Lineup
Arsenal, having made several transfers in the past year, sees Calafiori as a valuable addition to their defensive lineup. The club’s squad includes notable defenders like William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, and Gabriel Magalhães. The addition of Calafiori is expected to bolster their defensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
Bologna’s Transfer Activity
Bologna, on the other hand, has been active in the transfer market. They recently sold Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United for €42.5 million and acquired Nicolas Cambiaghi from Atalanta for €10 million. Calafiori’s departure marks another significant transaction for the club.
Future Implications
Fans of both teams will be eager to see how Calafiori adapts to his new environment at Arsenal and how Bologna will reinvest the funds from this high-profile transfer. The completion of this deal marks a step forward for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
