Jakub Kiwior delaying Arsenal move for Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal’s move for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is stalling because of the reluctance of Jakub Kiwior to move in the other direction, according to the Times.

The Gunners want to use their 24-year-old defender as a makeweight in the deal for the Italian international, but the Polish star wants to wait for a concrete approach from one of the bigger Italian top-flight clubs, including AC Milan, who have regularly shown interest in bringing him back to the Serie A.

Bologna want up to £46 million for Calafiori but Arsenal have only offered £37m plus Kiwior so far.

The former Spezia star wants to join a bigger side even though Bologna are offering Champions League football next term after finishing 2023-24 as fifth in Serie A.

Kiwior featured in 30 games across all competitions last term for the North Londoners, featuring at both left-back and centre-back, but Arsenal see Calafiori as an upgrade.

The Euro 2024 star wants to move to the North London club but he is currently in limbo as he prepares to return to pre-season training this weekend.

Bologna appear to have already moved on and they have separately opened talks with Juventus for Daniele Rugani, and Arsenal may need to pay up if they want their 22-year-old star.

The left-footed centre-back can also play at left-back and midfield like Kiwior, but he brings more attacking qualities to the table and is expected to force his way into the starting XI of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal travel on tour to the United States next week for friendlies against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Manchester United, and will be joined by those that featured in the latter stages of the European Championship and Copa America afterwards.

They are yet to add any player to their ranks this summer but will hope to do so as soon as possible, and Calafiori could emerge as their first signing if all goes to plan in the coming days.