Riccardo Calafiori to join Arsenal

Arsenal will secure the signing of one of Italy's best young players in acquiring Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori next week, with the left-back agreeing terms this afternoon with the Gunners. He will now travel to North London to undergo a medical on Monday morning, with an announcement expected late on Monday or Tuesday afternoon at the latest.

Since his arrival at Bologna, Calafiori has impressed and earned five full international caps for Italy. His performances in Serie A caught the eye of Arsenal's scouting network, and the club will spend 40 million euros to bring the 22-year-old to the Emirates. Calafiori had previously spent 12 years with Roma, before making a move to Switzerland with Basel for the 2022-23 season. After a season at the Swiss club, a return to Italy followed.

It is unclear what Arsenal's transfer plans are with regards to the defensive area of the club's squad. Jakub Kiwior could head back to Italy, as AC Milan are interested in the Poland international. Whilst Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is also rumoured to be leaving the Emirates, as Bayern Munich are preparing a 30 million euro bid for the defender.

Calafiori will sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.