Arsenal closing in on first summer signing as ‘world-class’ player desires Arteta reunionArsenal closing in on first summer signing as ‘world-class’ player desires Arteta reunion Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could soon make their opening move in the summer transfer market as they edge closer to securing their first signing. Despite a promising season that saw Arsenal finish second in the Premier League, their summer transfer activity has been relatively quiet so far. However, technical director Edu Gaspar has reportedly made progress in bringing in the club’s first new player. Arteta’s impressive work in North London has reportedly attracted the attention of potential signings, with Arsenal now among the most sought-after destinations for players. The Gunners’ consistent presence in the Champions League and their title challenge last season have made them an attractive proposition. One player who has reportedly expressed a desire to join Arsenal is Riccardo Calafiori. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Calafiori has set his sights on playing under Arteta next season. Calafiori, who can play as a left-back or center-back, is considered a highly-rated talent in Italy. He has been capped by the Italian national team at youth levels and has shown promise for his club side, Bologna. The 22-year-old defender has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract worth around €4 million per year. However, negotiations between Arsenal and Bologna over a transfer fee are still ongoing. Arsenal are believed to be in pole position to sign Calafiori, despite reported interest from Chelsea. The Blues have since signed Renato Veiga to fill the left-back position, leaving the door open for Arsenal to complete the deal. Should Arsenal acquire Calafiori, he would add depth and quality to their defense. Arteta could utilize him as a versatile option at left-back or center-back, providing cover for Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Magalhaes, respectively. The signing of Calafiori would represent a significant boost for Arsenal’s summer transfer window and would demonstrate Arteta’s commitment to strengthening the squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window could get underway soon as the North London club take a major step towards their first signing.
Mikel Arteta has had to wait for Arsenal to get their summer transfer window off to a good start, as even the number of player departures has yet to really get going.
However, Edu Gaspar has taken a positive step when it comes to becoming the first arrival at the Emirates this summer.
What Arteta has achieved in North London in recent years will undoubtedly be a major attraction for players in the coming months.
Arsenal have not only become a regular fixture in the Champions League, but are now also competing for the Premier League title.
And it appears this is going down well with one of their summer targets, who is now determined to play under Arteta next season.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
‘World class’ player wants to join Arsenal this summer
Arsenal ended the 2023-24 season just two points behind the leaders as their development continues year-on-year under Arteta.
The gap to Manchester City has narrowed over the last two seasons, which could mean Arsenal can only improve this season and win the title.
Arteta is hoping to bring in top quality players this summer, with the arrival of a player described as ‘world class’ certainly appealing to the Spaniard.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Riccardo Calafiori has decided he wants to join Arsenal this summer.
Riccardo Calafiori wants Arsenal, after agreeing personal terms around €4 million net salary for a five-year contract.
Calafiori is keen to join Arteta, but negotiations are still ongoing over a club-to-club agreement with Bologna.
Chelsea have now signed Renato Veiga who can play as a LB. photo.twitter.com/N3cLYsh18o
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2024
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The two parties reached a personal agreement yesterday, with Calafiori agreeing to the proposal for a five-year term on a salary of around €4m (£3.4m) a year.
However, the Italian journalist admitted that talks are still ongoing between the two clubs over the possible fee required to secure his signature.
Arsenal beat Chelsea in battle for Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian international is reportedly set to move to North London, with talks currently underway over the final details of the deal.
And this will come as a huge setback for clubs like Chelsea, who were believed to be interested in Calafiori during the transfer window this summer.
It appears the Blues have given up hope of signing the 22-year-old as Romano has also signed left-back Renato Veiga.
Although Calafiori is normally a central defender, the Italian has shown he can also play as a left back, and under Arteta that could well be the position he plays in at the moment.
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