Arsenal have made a second bid worth PS46.6 million for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as they look to 'burn the competition' from Chelsea, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Gunners have earmarked Calafiori as their top defensive target and it was reported yesterday that they had agreed terms over a five-year contract with the Italian star.

Arsenal were fancied to make an improved offer worth PS46.6m to meet the asking price and Corriere dello Sport claim that the Gunners made the proposal last night.

Mikel Arteta's side are preparing to close the operation quickly amid interest from Chelsea and other Premier League sides.

Calafiori could become the club's second summer signing after David Raya who joined on a permanent basis on Thursday.

Calafiori on the cusp of Arsenal transfer Arsenal have had a quiet start to the summer transfer window, but they could be busy in the near future as they prepare to strengthen the squad which missed out on the Premier League title by two points.

They have already secured the services of Raya on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell. Calafiori could be the next arrival with talks advanced with Bologna after personal terms were agreed.

The 22-year-old should be a superb signing for the Gunners due to his strong defensive attributes.

The former Basel man completed 90 percent of his passes last season with 71 percent of his aerial duels won. He registered 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and 6.4 recoveries per outing.

The defender managed seven goal contributions from his 37 appearances.

Calafiori largely played from the left central defensive role at Bologna last term, but also made a handful of appearances at left-back, which was his primary position before his move to the Serie A outfit.

He could re-establish himself from the left side of the back four at Arsenal. His arrival could lead to Jakub Kiwior's exit. The Pole has been linked with a return to Serie A with Juventus in recent days.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com