HITC understands that Arsenal are pressing ahead with talks to complete the signing of a defender who shone at Euro 2024.

Arsenal have been frustrated so far in the transfer market after they missed out on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who decided to sign a new contract with the German giants.

They have also been frustrated in their hunt for a new midfielder with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi stalling over an agreement with the Gunners, and some at the Emirates Stadium believe that he prefers Real Madrid or Barcelona.

However, it is the defence that the Gunners could be set to strengthen with sources claiming that the North London side are pushing ahead with a deal to sign Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori.

One of the reasons behind Arsenal's willingness to sign the Italian defender is that Mikel Arteta believes the 22-year-old would fit perfectly into his system at left-back.

A new left sided defender was a priority for this summer but the Gunners are well stocked in that area with Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Nuno Tavares all able to play there.

HITC has now been told that all four of these players will be allowed to leave Arsenal as the club believe a quality over quantity approach is the way forward.

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With the belief that Takehiro Tomiyasu and a new signing can fill in that role and Calafiori could well be that man. The North London club have decided to push ahead with a deal for the defender, who the club insist they were aware of during his days at FC Basel.

Arsenal jump in as Juventus' deal stalls The Italian shone at Euro 2024 but Arsenal, like other sides who were interested, believed that the defender would ultimately end up at Thiago Motta's Juventus.

However, talks with Bologna and Juventus are understood to have not gone to plan. Bologna wanted PS42 million for the defender in cash.

HITC revealed earlier this summer that Calafiori was open to a move to Arsenal and the Gunners were informed of the situation.