Arsenal told why Ricardo Calafiori would be perfect summer signing with 'offensive' abilities highlighted

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has explained why he thinks Ricardo Calafiori would be the perfect summer signing for the Gunners.

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• Arsenal hoping to sign Calafiori from Bologna
• Negotiations continuing with Serie A side
• Sagna says defender would be ideal signing

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal have been linked with Calafiori ahead of the start of the new Premier League season. The Bologna defender has reportedly put in a transfer request, while the two teams are locked in negotiations regarding a potential €50m (£42m/$54m) move to the Emirates Stadium.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Calafiori has caught the eye after playing a starring role at Bologna, helping the club secure a place in the Champions League in the 2023-24 season. He went to feature at Euro 2024 for Italy, scoring in the team's 1-1 draw against Croatia. Calafiori has since been targeted by Mikel Arteta's side as the Gunners look to strengthen their squad. The Italy defender is a versatile operator able to play at left-back, central defence or even in a more advanced role. Former defender Sagna feels he would be an excellent recruit for the Gunners.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Sagna told Paddy Power: "Riccardo Calafiori is very good – I've followed him a lot in Serie A this season. I’ve seen a lot of Bologna games, and he’s one of the reasons they were able to qualify for the Champions League. He’s calm and composed on the ball – he can break lines by committing and help the side out offensively. He’d be a fantastic player for Arsenal – any club he would join, he would be a fantastic addition.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND CALAFIORI?

  Arsenal will be hoping to get the transfer over the line this summer but the deal does appear to have hit a snag, as Bologna want to renegotiate a sell-on clause included in his contract following his move from FC Basel. Calafiori has also been asked to return to pre-season training with Bologna, while Arsenal are due to jet out to the United States for a tour on Sunday.