Mikel Arteta has had to wait a long time, but Calafiori looks set to become the Gunners’ first summer signing.

It has been two weeks since Calafiori signed a personal agreement with Arsenal, but the two clubs needed more time to discuss the finances.

Although an agreement has reportedly been reached between the two clubs, Bologna still have one hurdle to overcome before they can sell their defender.

One thing needs to happen before Arsenal sign Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori is said to have asked Bologna to allow him to fulfil his dream of playing for Arsenal so the deal could go ahead.

Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Bologna to try and reach an agreement. The deal has now been completed and is worth €40 million (£33.7 million) plus €5 million (£4.2 million) in add-ons.

Arsenal are now looking to complete the proposed deal for Calafiori as quickly as possible, as they leave for their pre-season tour next week.

But the Gunners may have to be patient for a while longer as Bologna have one more move to make.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bologna and FC Basel must now finalise the details of Calafiori’s sell-on clause.

“What we have to say ‘Here We Go’ could be later today, later tomorrow. Bologna and Basel – Calafiori’s former club – have to get in touch between today and tomorrow in the next few hours about the sell-on clause,” Romano said on Playback.

“Basel had 50% more than €4m, so it is a big part of the deal. Bologna and Basel will talk in the next few hours about the payment terms of this 50% and then Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal will be a Here We Go.”

Arsenal reportedly keen to sign Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal had no real reason to go into the market to significantly strengthen their defence; they had the best defensive record in the Premier League.

However, that is exactly what Arsenal have done and it will only benefit them in the long run as Calafiori looks to prove his worth at Euro 2024.

This will allow Arteta to rotate his team more freely in their bid to win another silverware.

An injury to Williams, Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes would be a major disaster in north London, but Arteta now likely has a centre-back who could replace either.

It really looks like Arsenal are signing one of the best summer players.

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