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Arsenal news: Gunners, Juventus handed Riccardo Calafiori transfer boost?

By Carter White | 29 June 2024

Bologna give up hope? Arsenal, Juventus 'handed' boost in Calafiori pursuit

Bologna are reportedly resigned to losing defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer, with the Italy international attracting interest from Arsenal and Juventus.

Arsenal and Juventus have reportedly been handed a massive boost in their bids to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The 22-year-old has stepped onto the continental stage this month at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the centre-back has been a key part of Italy's squad.

Suspended for the last 16 due to the collection of two yellow cards during the group stage, Calafiori could only watch on as the Azzurri were knocked out of the competition by Switzerland on Saturday afternoon in Berlin.

An organised and effective Swiss side won the match by a comfortable two-goal margin, with strikes either side of the half-time whistle from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sealing only their second-ever last-eight berth in a European Championship.

Calafiori has enjoyed a more successful term in respect to club football this season, with Thiago Motta guiding Bologna to Champions League qualification in Serie A.

Italy's Nicolo Barella celebrates scoring their second goal with Riccardo Calafiori and teammates on June 15, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal 'handed' Calafiori boost

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Calafiori is highly likely to be securing a move away from Champions League-bound Bologna this summer.

The report claims that the Italian club feel like it will be 'impossible' to retain the services of the in-demand Italy defender ahead of the 2024-25 term.

This belief is supposedly due to the amount of admirers who are circling around Calafiori, including Premier League outfits Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Bologna could also lose a star player from their front line in the form of Joshua Zirkzee, who is being raced by Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.

It is believed that Calafiori's preferred move would be to Juventus, where the 22-year-old could link up again with former manager Motta at the Allianz Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal 'focusing' on midfield

Although Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are certainly fond of Calafiori, the Italian is not currently a priority signing in this summer's transfer window.

That is according to football.london, who are stating that the Gunners are focusing on bolstering their midfield ahead of another Premier League title race with Manchester City.

Apart from Calafiori, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is a potential signing for Arsenal to strengthen the backline, however they face serious competition from Man United for the England international.