Arsenal aiming to complete transfer deal before key date for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are reportedly aiming to complete a transfer deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori before the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

The Italy international has impressed in Serie A, and it makes sense that he’s emerged as a top target for Arsenal this summer, with Mikel Arteta in need of upgrades on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.

According to the Daily Mail, Calafiori is now Arsenal’s top defensive target, and they’re hoping to get this deal done soon, with Arteta keen to have the 22-year-old on board for when his side jet off to America for their pre-season preparations.

It will undoubtedly be important for Calafiori to get as much time with his new Arsenal teammates as possible, as it could be quite a specific new role that Arteta has in mind for him.

Calafiori transfer: What Fabrizio Romano has said about the Arsenal target

As per the Daily Briefing, Arsenal are confident over signing Calafiori, with the player keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrizio Romano also posted on X earlier today to make it clear that the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are not currently in the race for Calafiori, who only wants to join Arsenal.

“Riccardo Calafiori’s currently only waiting for Arsenal after personal terms agreed, it’s his clear favourite destination. No talks taking place with PSG, Bayer Leverkusen or Chelsea,” Romano said.

AFC have had a slow start to the summer so far, unlike last year when they were quick to get some big names like Declan Rice in, though if they can finalise the signing of Calafiori in the coming days, fans will surely be pretty pleased.

After that, however, there is arguably also still a need for a new striker, new defensive midfielder, and perhaps a new winger or versatile attacking player to fill a variety of roles in the front three.