Arsenal are said to have stepped up their efforts to land a defender after securing a welcome transfer windfall. The Gunners have the tough task of improving their squad while remaining inside Profit and Sustainability guidelines this summer, with Mikel Arteta and Edu having commissioned deals worth north of PS200million last summer.

Exits will be important for the Gunners to get incoming deals done, but in the meantime, they have landed a welcome PS3million fee without lifting a finger. That's because former youth star Omari Hutchinson has joined Ipswich Town permanently from Chelsea after a successful loan spell, and on a fee worth PS20million upfront plus PS2million in add-ons.

The Gunners had a 15% sell-on fee in Hutchinson's Chelsea deal, meaning they pocket PS3million now and a little more down the line if certain conditions are met. The windfall will not pay for any deals in entirety, but it will help Arsenal as they look to keep the books balanced.

Meanwhile, Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori is said to be of interest as Arteta looks to add depth to his back line. "For Calafiori, Arsenal made an enquiry to understand the situation of the player," Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT. "I mean, it's also normal when you are looking for a left-footed player, a left-foot defender. Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best available now on the market.

"So Arsenal have been showing their interest in the situation. But at the moment, it's not a negotiation. There is no bid, there is no contact with Bologna, so it's just an enquiry to understand the situation of Calafiori."

The 22-year-old defender is under contract with Bologna until 2027 as things stand, meaning the Serie A side have a tight grip over their star defender. They are reportedly asking for close to PS43million to sell Calafiori, although they have no intention of selling him.

Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci told Sky Sports Italy recently: "We have already said this in the past also for other players, the club's will is to confirm a large part of the current squad . We want to move forward with this group of boys who did so well in the last season, who can continue to improve and guarantee adequate performances also with Vincenzo. We prefer to continue with them, we have already communicated to his agent that we have no intention of moving the player."

New Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano added of the general situation surrounding his new squad amid exit links: "We are waiting for July 8th to have the entire group available and then I will hear from everyone . In the past there have been some situations in which someone was not so inclined to stay and we are managed to change his mind , and I'm not talking about Calafiori. I will listen to the needs of the boys but you can also change your opinion."

A five-time senior international, Calafiori was picked for Italy's Euro 2024 squad, but they suffered a surprise defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16, meaning he will now be setting off on holiday before returning to Bologna.