Arsenal expect to close the deal for Riccardo Calafiori very soon

Arsenal expect to complete the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori within 24 to 48 hours, according to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo.

The Gunners have already agreed terms over a five-year deal with the Italy international and they are currently discussing the transfer package with Bologna.

It is now reported that Arsenal ‘expect’ to close the operation within 24 to 48 hours. The Gunners will pay a fee of around €50 million (£42m) plus add-ons.

Basel will be owed 40 percent of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause.

Arsenal on the cusp of landing Calafiori

The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window, but they are likely to speed up the process with their first pre-season game in just over two weeks’ time.

The club are engaged in negotiations with Bologna over the payment terms for Calafiori and they will be aiming for a quick deal such that he can undergo his medical.

Calafiori had a superb debut season with the Serie A outfit last term. He had a passing accuracy of 90 percent with an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 6.5 recoveries.

The 22-year-old made 2.5 clearances per outing, winning 71 percent of his aerial duels. He largely operated as a centre-back for Bologna with a handful of games from left-back.

The former Basel man registered seven goal contributions from 37 outings.

Calafiori was primarily a left-back during his formative years at Roma and Basel. Arsenal are likely to consider him for the same role under manager Mikel Arteta next season.

It will be interesting to see how the Italian fares in the Premier League. He will have to adapt to the higher intensity compared to Serie A which is less intense and more tactical.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com