Arsenal is on the verge of signing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for approximately £42 million, with the deal expected to be finalized following medical checks. Despite already having a strong defense, manager Mikel Arteta values Calafiori's versatility, which allows him to play both as a center-back and left-back. This move follows Calafiori's impressive performance in Serie A, where he helped Bologna secure a Champions League spot, and his notable outings for Italy at Euro 2024. Legal complications involving sell-on clauses with Calafiori's former clubs, Roma and Basel, have delayed the transfer. Meanwhile, Arsenal is also eyeing Barcelona's Jules Kounde to further bolster their defense, indicating Arteta's intent to strengthen the squad for a title challenge in the upcoming season.