RICCARDO CALAFIORI 'FLIES TO LONDON FOR MEDICAL WITH ARSENAL' AS THE ITALIAN DEFENDER CLOSES IN ON A £42M MOVE FROM BOLOGNA

Riccardo Calafiorie is taking the final steps towards his move to Arsenal
The 22-year-old is thought to be signing in a deal worth around £42million
The Italian was an integral part in Bologna secure Champions League football

Riccardo Calafiori has posted a picture of himself aboard a private jet, as he makes his way to London for his medical at Arsenal.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will be looking for Calafiori to link up with the team as soon as possible, as they travel across the Americas on their pre-season tour.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared the snap of the 22-year-old defender, who was being accompanied by his agents, WSA chairman and founder, Alessandro Lucci, and the agency's CEO, Alessio Ceccarelli.

Calafiori could be a major asset for Arteta's backline, as he brings depth and versatility to their defensive line.

He was a key player for Italian team Bologna last season, playing in both centre back and left-back positions.

The Serie A team secured Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades.

Arsenal's only senior signing so far this summer has been David Raya, with the goalkeeper joining permanently from Brentford following his loan spell last season.

The Italian shone in Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all three group-stage matches.

Calafiori has been on an extended summer break following Italy's participation in Euro 2024 where the former champions were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Denmark.

He has won a total of five Italy caps, three of which came at the European Championship in Germany.

His former side Basel are entitled to a sell-on clause of between 40 and 50 per cent.

The move could now accelerate an exit for Jakub Kiwior, who is thought to have admirers in both Milan clubs.

2024-07-27T13:02:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd