Arsenal accelerating efforts to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

Arsenal are ‘accelerating efforts’ to secure their second signing of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners have already purchased David Raya from Brentford following a season-long loan and they are now speeding up the process to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the London giants are accelerating their move for the Italy international from Bologna with other clubs looking for a similar profile.

The 22-year-old is the top defensive target for manager Mikel Arteta this summer, considering his ability to comfortably play from the central defensive and left-back positions.

Arsenal set to secure second summer signing

Calafiori has already agreed a long-term deal until June 2029 with the Gunners. The clubs have been locked in negotiations for the last two weeks without a proper resolution.

The Serie A outfit have requested a fixed fee of around £42 million for the highly-rated star. Arsenal prefer to pay lesser up front with add-ons which could be easily achievable.

The Gunners are now willing to step up their pursuit, considering the risk of a possible hijack. A club like Real Madrid could enter the race after missing out on Leny Yoro to Manchester United.

The hierarchy must seek to complete his transfer in the next 24 hours. Arteta may ideally want Calafiori to travel for the pre-season tour of the United States where the club have three friendlies.

Arsenal are scheduled to face Bournemouth on July 24 before taking on Manchester United and Liverpool on July 27 and July 31 respectively. They will have two more friendlies at home.