Italy’s number five earned rave reviews during the Euros but the transfer wouldn’t benefit some
A significant development has been made today with Arsenal agreeing contract terms with breakout Euros star defender Riccardo Calafiori.
As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the contract has been agreed until June 2029.
Regarding the transfer fee, discussions are still taking place between Bologna and the North London club with the Italian outfit desiring around 50 million Euros.
Remarkably, FC Basel would receive 50% of the sale over 4.5m Euros and are aware of talks ongoing between the two clubs.
Transfer would be ‘a disaster’
Former Bologna chief Walter Sabatini has branded the potential transfer of Calafiori a ‘disaster’.
The Gunners seek a left-footed player to bolster their defensive ranks and Italy’s latest star fits that exact billing.
Only did Calafiori join Bologna from FC Basel last summer and following this boss Thiago Motta instantly converted him from a left-back to a centre-back.
Qualifying for the Champions League it was a season of a huge significance for the club, with Calafiori starring as one of the main players.
And speaking to Radio Sportiva, Sabatini was far from impressed with the prospect of him leaving:
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“It’s a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league.
“45 million as a valuation is a huge sum but the defenders are paid even more.
“I think it’s the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game.
“Let’s remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran 40 metres, took on the defence and passed the ball.
“These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage, and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do.”
