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ARSENAL have made the breakthrough in their bid to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italy international has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners and now a £42m transfer is in the final stages. The two clubs are believed to have reached a broad agreement on the package.
Now Bologna must finalise the payments terms of their agreement with Swiss club FC Basel, who are entitled to a 50 per cent cut of the deal thanks to a sell-on clause.
Arsenal fly to the United States on Sunday for their pre-season tour while Bologna are heading to Barcelona on Monday for a pre-season training camp. And there was recognition that it was pointless including a player, Calafiori, in their travelling party when he was likely to depart for pastures new in the forthcoming days.
The talented centre-back, who can also play at left-back, is understood to have told Bologna that he wanted the move to the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and PSG had also shown interest but Calafiori only wanted Arsenal and he was Mikel Arteta ’s top defensive target. Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe scored for Arsenal in their behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Leyton Orient.
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against the League One side to get their pre-season campaign underway, with Gabriel Jesus also on the scoresheet. Smith Rowe, 23, was on target amid reports that he’s set for a departure before the summer transfer window closes.
Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA begins next weekend against Bournemouth before clashes with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, but it remains to be seen how much Smith Rowe will be involved. Fulham and Crystal Palace are among his admirers but reports say that both clubs have had bids rejected, as the Gunners value him at £35million. — Mirror.
Online Reporter