Arsenal’s Pursuit of Italy International Calafiori Hits Snag
Arsenal has been attempting to sign Italy international Riccardo Calafiori in a deal that could be worth €50 million (£42m/$54m). The 21-year-old defender, currently playing for Bologna, has caught the attention of the Gunners as they look to bolster their defensive options.
The Hold-Up: Sell-On Clause
However, the transfer process has encountered a significant hold-up. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna has paused the deal to renegotiate the sell-on clause included in Calafiori’s contract when he moved from Basel. The Swiss club holds a 50 per cent sell-on clause, which means they would be entitled to £21 million if Calafiori were to move for the reported £42 million fee Arsenal is offering.
Bologna’s Response
In light of this complication, Bologna has asked Calafiori to return to pre-season training, as reported by Sky Sport Italia. There is currently a €10 million gap between Arsenal’s offer and Bologna’s valuation, creating a standstill in the negotiations.
Arsenal’s Next Steps
Arsenal will need to navigate this financial obstacle to secure the services of Calafiori. The London club is keen to finalize the transfer, but Bologna’s insistence on renegotiating the sell-on clause has added a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
As Arsenal continues its pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori, the resolution of the sell-on clause issue remains critical. Both clubs will need to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties involved, including Basel. The Gunners’ ability to address this hold-up will determine whether they can successfully add the talented defender to their squad for the upcoming season.