Arsenal ‘open talks’ to sign Italy Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori with defender ‘open to joining Gunners’

ARSENAL have opened to talks with Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports.

The defender starred for Italy at Euro 2024 and helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Riccardo CalafioriGetty

The centre-back impressed as Bologna qualified for the Champions League

The Gunners are big admirers of Calafiori and have made a proposal to him, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports the defender is open to the move.

Chelsea are also interested in the centre-back and are understood to be in talks too.

Liverpool have previously been linked with a move for Calafiori, but are not ready to challenge Arsenal for his signature.

Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on the 22-year-old as he admires his ability to play out from the back.

Bologna want to keep hold of their star but will take offers into consideration if they meet their valuation.

Technical director Giovanni Sartori told Sky Sports Italia: “We will try to keep Calafiori but if important offers arrive we will have to take them into consideration.

“I don’t think he will go to Juventus. He will probably go to a different market.”

Calafiori made 30 appearances for Bologna last season and helped his side keep 13 clean sheets.

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He came through Roma‘s academy and had a brief loan spell at Genoa before a permanent switch to Basel.

Calafiori has won five caps for Italy, with three of those appearances coming at the Euros, before the holders crashed out to Switzerland in the last-16.

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