Italy international Riccardo Calafiori remains a key target for Arsenal with Mikel Arteta keen to wrap up a deal for the defender who's also garnered interest from Chelsea

Arsenal aren't the only ones pushing for Riccardo Calafiori to become an ever-present figure at the Emirates Stadium next season.

Alessandro Lucci, the agent of the Italy international, will no doubt be hard at work to deliver his client to north London with the Premier League runners-up advancing in negotiations with Bologna to wrap up a deal for the highly-rated defender who's also attracted interest from Chelsea.

Calafiori, 22, enjoyed an impressive season in Serie A where Bologna surprisingly clinched Champions League football under Thiago Motta, who recently left the club to succeed Max Allegri in becoming the new manager of Juventus.

The opportunity to join David Raya as Arsenal's second summer arrival exists for the centre back who was recently bounced out of Euro 2024 following Italy's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the last 16.

David Raya earned his first Premier League Golden Glove last season ( Image:

"It's a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year."

Riccardo Calafiori's agent puts the work in The Italian looks resigned to leaving Serie A for a second time in his career with his agent Alessandro Lucci looking to wrap up a deal with Arsenal who disclosed their long-term vision to Calafiori.

Losing a star player like Calafiori is a damaging departure for the league, according to former Roma and Lazio sporting director Walter Sabatini, who called his impending exit a "disaster" in a recent interview with Radio Sportiva, as reported by TMW.

The 22-year-old is in advanced negotiations with Arsenal ( Image:

"It's a disaster when strong, young players like him leave our league," the 69-year-old lamented. "EUR45 million as a valuation is a huge sum but the defenders are paid even more. I think it's the minimum for someone like him: left-footed, physically imposing, authoritative and with personality in the game.

"Let's remember what he did in the 96th minute against Croatia: he came out with the ball at his feet, ran forty meters, took on the defence and passed the ball. These are plays you only do if you have quality and courage and the courage to take risks and to execute the action is something only great players can do."