Mikel Arteta wants another summer of big spending as Arsenal fight for the title again (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal have reportedly made a ‘monstrous proposal’ to sign Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, which has been rejected. The 22 year old helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season and was part of Italy’s Euro 2024 squad.
Despite his suspension in the last-16 against Switzerland, Arsenal are keen on bringing him to the Emirates. However, their €47million (£39.8m) offer was turned down by Bologna who believe he is worth more.
Chelsea are also said to be interested, with Bologna hoping for a bidding war. Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori addressed the rumours, stating: “We only signed Calafiori 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens, but in our minds we want to keep him,” adding that while Juventus and other clubs have shown interest, any big offers would need consideration.
Riccardo Calafiori of Italy is attracting huge attention from a host of top European clubs (Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
He concluded: “I don’t think he will go to Juventus, it will probably be abroad, but I repeat we will try to keep him.”
Bologna’s sporting director Marco Di Vaio has come forward to address the rumours swirling around Calafiori, confirming the club’s satisfaction with their work. “It is confirmation that Bologna is working well and doing the right things. It is not a surprise to us,” he remarked, as report the Mirror.
Di Vaio further highlighted the club’s long-term interest in the player: “We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years. The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value but the intention is to keep all of our players, including Calafiori.”
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is reportedly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming season, aiming to build on their strong Premier League performance.
After finishing second to Manchester City consecutively, Arteta’s side is gearing up for another title bid.
Last summer saw the Gunners splash out approximately £200m on new talent, bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
However, due to the Premier League’s stringent Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Arsenal’s spending is anticipated to be more restrained in the upcoming transfer window.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1918691/arsenal-s-bold-39-8m-bid-italy-s-riccardo-calafiori-rejected-bologna-chelsea-circle