Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a fee reportedly around €50 million (£42.1m). The transfer has faced delays due to negotiations between Bologna and Calafiori's former club, Basel, which is entitled to 50 percent of the profit from the sale. Despite these issues, Arsenal and Bologna are optimistic about finalizing the deal soon, with personal terms already agreed with the 22-year-old defender. Calafiori, who impressed at Euro 2024 and has the versatility to play both as a center-back and left-back, is seen as a key addition by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The transfer is expected to be completed before Arsenal's pre-season tour to the United States. However, Bologna's chief executive recently denied that the move is imminent, suggesting that some details are still to be resolved.