Arsenal have reportedly moved a step closer to winning the race for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Despite posting the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, the Gunners are eager to strengthen their backline during the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta is currently well stocked for versatile options for that area of the pitch, with the likes of Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko all able to cover at least two positions.
Jurrien Timber is also included in that list on his return from a serious knee injury, but Zinchenko has been linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium.
That leaves Arteta and sporting director Edu in the market to try to secure another notable name, with their focus seemingly on Calafiori.
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Arsenal step up Calafiori interest
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have presented the Italy international with a formal long-term proposal.
Originally, reports indicated that the 22-year-old's preference was to remain in Serie A and link up with Juventus, should they make a suitable offer.
Instead, Romano states that the only clubs who are in the race for his signature, as it stands, are London duo Arsenal and Chelsea.
Arsenal are yet to agree a fee with Bologna, with Corriere dello Sport alleging that an offer of €47m (£39.8m) had been made.
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Who is likely to win the race?
Calafiori may have only played 43 times in Serie A during his career, yet there seems little doubt that he is destined for a long career at the top.
Largely featuring at centre-back, Calafiori rewarded Bologna for the faith placed in him by helping them to a surprise fifth-placed finish in Italy's top flight, securing Champions League football in the process.
The Italy star, who has just featured at Euro 2024, can also be deployed at left-back, an obvious attraction to big clubs who may wish to switch to a back three or used a more defensive-minded option at full-back.
Much could depend on whether Chelsea get involved in the race for his signature, although it appears unlikely they would offer a bigger wage than Arsenal given the stricter structure that is currently in place at Stamford Bridge.
Darren Plant
