After a period of stalemate, Arsenal are very close to having the signature of center-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Riccardo Calafiori is set to become an Arsenal player. Photo: Football Transfers

In a dismal EURO 2024 for Italy, centre-back Riccardo Calafiori emerged as a rare ray of light in the heart of the defence. And many believe the 22-year-old has the potential to shine for Arsenal.

Remember, before EURO 2024 , Calafiori had never started any match for the national team. However, this central defender played in all 3 group stage matches in Germany and became a mainstay for Italy.

In stoppage time of their group stage finale against Croatia, Luciano Spalletti’s side would have been sent home if they lost 1-0. As time ran out, Calafiori drove from deep inside his own half and played a one-two with Davide Frattesi. The 22-year-old centre-back finally provided the decisive pass for Mattia Zaccagni to level the scores.

Calafiori is compared by many to Paolo Maldini. Photo: AFP

The 22-year-old, with his flowing hair reminiscent of his predecessor Paolo Maldini, provided a crucial assist at a crucial moment to help Italy reach the last 16. Apparently, no one remembers that this is the player who was abandoned by Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.

“The most important thing was to react and change our attitude completely during the match. We did better than in other matches and deserved this result. The only thing I regret is not being able to play in the next match, but I will still celebrate wildly in the stands” – Calafiori said after the draw with Croatia.

Last season, Calafiori also played a major role in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League under coach Thiago Motta. At just 22 years old, the centre-back still has plenty of room to advance his career.

Calafiori has particularly impressed Arsenal with his versatility, as he can also play at left-back, a role he played at Basel before being introduced to the centre-back role by Motta.

Calafiori played for Roma from 2019 to 2022 but after a 6-1 defeat to Bodo Glimt, Mourinho lamented his defensive options and suggested that Calafiori was not good enough.

A serious knee injury at the age of 16 added to Roma’s doubts about Calafiori, but Basel have transformed the 22-year-old’s diet and turned him into a promising talent.

Mikel Arteta is looking forward to Calafiori’s arrival. Photo: ARS

Arsenal could face competition from Real Madrid for Calafiori , so they need to get the deal done as soon as possible. If Calafiori arrives at the Emirates, Arteta will have one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.

“Arsenal and Bologna have reached an agreement for Riccardo Calafiori, following a breakthrough in negotiations. It is understood the fee is €40m plus €5m in add-ons.

Bologna added a clause to receive a percentage of Calafiori’s future sales. The final step needed is for Basel and Bologna to agree on payment terms of 50%” – journalist Fabrizio Romano said.