Arsenal were looking to wrap up a deal for Bologna and Italy star Riccardo Calafiori as soon as possible this summer but that transfer is now in jeopardy as negotiations are at a complete standstill.
The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the defender as the Italian wants to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season, however, an agreement on a transfer fee has not been reached.
According to Matteo Moretto, Bologna want a fixed fee of 50 million euros and bonuses for Calafiori but Arsenal want to do a deal for less money. The Gunners are currently raising a fixed fee of 45 million euros plus bonuses in Italy, suggesting that the two clubs are not too far apart in their valuation of the player.
The main factor in this transfer story is FC Basel as the Swiss club will receive 50% of any sale.
Bologna want a higher fee to compensate for this sell-off clause but Arsenal are reducing it according to Moretto. This has left the deal in jeopardy as a news reporter says negotiations are at a standstill.
Arsenal and Bologna are holding out on the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori
Writing in his recent special column that CaughtOffside's The Daily BriefingMoretto gave an update on the Calafiori situation and why the deal is taking so long to get over the line.
“We've known for some time that Arsenal are after Riccardo Calafiori, and although things seemed to be fast at times, it has not crossed the line yet. “Calafiori has an agreement with Arsenal, but the clubs have not yet reached an agreement,” said the transfer expert.
“Bologna want a fixed fee of €50m and bonuses on top of that. Arsenal want to do a deal for less money. They are currently proposing a deal for a fixed fee of €45m with bonuses on top of that.
“One of the important things to consider is that Basel has a certain percentage of the upcoming contract, so Bologna should give some of the sale money to Basel. Arsenal are trying to lower the percentage to go to Basel, but the talks are not progressing at the moment, they are at a complete standstill at the moment. The player waits and waits for them to solve the problem. Let's see what comes of it.”
It would be a shame for Arsenal if they miss out on Calafiori as the Italian would suit Mikel Arteta as he can play as a full back as well as a left back.
The transfer is not dead in the water as of now, leaving things open for updates in the coming days and weeks.
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