Football News Update: Arsenal Targets Euro 2024 Star Calafiori, Eyes Defensive Upgrades
Arsenal are expected to step up talks this week to bring in one of the stars of Euro 2024. The Gunners are looking to strengthen at the back and are keen to push through a deal to sign *Italy centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed for the Azzurri at the recent European Championship.
According to the Daily Mail (June 30, 2023), Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old defender, and the club is set to discuss a fee with his current team, Bologna, this week. The left-footed Calafiori, who is under contract at the Serie A side until 2027, is expected to cost around £40 million.
Manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful that a deal can be concluded in time for the Gunners’ pre-season North American tour, which includes matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool starting in late July.
Calafiori made his Italy debut at Euro 2024 against Albania and, at the age of 22 years and 27 days, became the second-youngest Italian to play at a European Championship, behind the legendary Paolo Maldini.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Poland defender Jakub Kiwior, who has featured only sparingly since joining the Gunners from Spezia in January 2023. The club is understood to be working on a deal for Jules Kounde and has also bid for Riccardo Calafiori as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Additionally, William Saliba is a target for PSG and Real Madrid, while Gilberto Silva has surprisingly tipped Neymar to potentially move to Arsenal.
Stay tuned to Football News for the latest updates on Arsenal’s transfer activity and other top stories from the world of European football, including the Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup.
🔗 Source