After a close battle, Arsenal will get Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. Chelsea was a close second. News from Italy’s Calciomercato claims that Arsenal is seriously considering signing the Italy international. Even though Chelsea is interested in the Bologna star, the Gunners are getting very close to signing him. With a five-year deal that doubles his present wage, he is valued at €50 million and has committed to Arsenal.
It is astonishing to see how Calafiori has risen in the football world. After leaving FC Basel in August of 2023, he signed with Bologna. The 22-year-old made 33 games in Serie A, scored twice, and assisted on five goals. He acclimated fast to the league. Arsenal and Chelsea were among the elite clubs who took notice of his exceptional play. Additionally, he was named to the Italian national squad and made his debut just before UEFA Euro 2024 thanks to his impressive play. The Azzurri have used him five times since then.
Arsenal Set To Beat Chelsea In This Signing
In the 2023–24 season, Arsenal’s defense was rock solid thanks to the collaboration of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. On the other hand, they pursued Calafiori because they wanted a flexible defender. After expressing interest, the Gunners ramped up their attempts to sign him. The 22-year-old is about to sign a five-year agreement, which would double his salary, and there are no issues with personal terms.
According to the most recent report, Arsenal are close to signing the Bologna defender, who is valued at over €50 million. As a result of this transfer, Arsenal will sign Calafiori before Chelsea. Even though they had signed Tosin Adarabioyo, Chelsea was still hoping to add a center back to their roster. Chelsea must now locate a new defensive target due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile at Stamford Bridge.
The attention will now turn to Chelsea’s next move as Arsenal draws nearer to completing this major deal. Are they going to be able to add another quality defender to their roster? The future holds no guarantees, but Riccardo Calafiori seems to be another exciting addition to Arsenal’s roster.
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Leaving Arsenal this summer is a real possibility for Nuno Tavares. The Portuguese defender has garnered attention from Serie A team Lazio. Calciomercato reports that Lazio has inquired about him. Not having Tavares in their plans for the next season has Arsenal wanting to move him. Over the last two years, the 24-year-old has been on loan to two different clubs: Marseille and Nottingham Forest. To launch his career and establish himself as a consistent starter, he need a long-term relocation.
It seems possible that Tavares would be happy at Lazio. He has promise, according to the Italian club. A versatile player, Tavares can contribute to Lazio’s roster in three different ways: left back, wing back, or winger. Given his current status at Arsenal, he might be available for a fair price. Any player who doesn’t mesh with Arsenal’s long-term goals will not command a significant transfer price from the Gunners.
A transfer to Lazio would be a good fit for Tavares. Moving up from Nottingham Forest to Serie A is quite an accomplishment. He aims to keep improving and eventually become a regular starter. He is still young enough, at 24, to benefit from skilled instruction and game time. It may end up being a steal if Lazio can get him for a reasonable price.
