Arsenal expected to sign £42m-rated star soon, talks quite advanced

Arsenal are working to sign the Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer.

According to Football Insider, they are now expected to complete the signing of the 22-year-old central defender in the coming weeks.

Talks are at an advanced stage between the two clubs and it is only a matter of time before the Italian international moves to the North London club.

Personal terms are not going to be an issue and it seems that the two clubs are working on securing an agreement over the fee.

Calafiori is regarded as one of the finest young defensive talents in European football and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for Arsenal.

The Gunners need to add more quality and depth to their squad if they want to win the league title next season and do well in the UEFA Champions League. Signing one of the best young players in European football right now would be a superb investment.

He could form a solid partnership with William Saliba at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Riccardo Calafiori could fancy Arsenal move

A move to the North London club will be a major step up in his career and he will be excited to join them. He has shown his quality with Bologna and there is no doubt that he has the attributes to succeed at a higher level. Arsenal will provide him with the opportunity to fight for trophies every season and he will be able to test himself in the Champions league as well.

Regular football in England could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his world class potential. If Arsenal can sign him for a reasonable price this summer, the transfer could look like a major bargain in the long term.

Bologna value the defender at £42 million and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal are ready to break the bank for him. Calafiori has a contract with the Italian club until 2027 and they are under no pressure to reduce the asking price. The defender will certainly hope that the two clubs can iron out an agreement soon.