Riccardo Calafiori forced into Bologna move as Arsenal transfer stalls

Riccardo Calafiori has returned to pre-season training after a potential transfer to Arsenal hit a snag in recent weeks.

The defender was anticipated to make the switch from Bologna following swift negotiations between the Gunners and Vincenzo Italiano's new team. However, since the conclusion of Euro 2024, things have stalled with the club unable to agree on a deal that satisfies both parties. While a price tag of around £45 million ($58.1 million) is not considered excessive for Premier League side Arsenal, the payment structure has been a sticking point.

Basel, Calafiori's former team, is due a significant sell-on fee, which will result in a hefty payout should a deal be finalized. With Bologna eager to recoup as much as possible themselves, a deadlock has been reached.

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This comes at an inconvenient time for Mikel Arteta, who is gearing up his squad for pre-season ahead of a trip to the United States later this month. The head coach had hoped to conclude business early this summer but has instead faced frustration so far after Benjamin Sesko also became unavailable early in the transfer window.

Now he's readying to focus on the pitch ahead of the 2024/25 season, and it remains uncertain whether Calafiori will be part of his squad. The Italian international, who was knocked out of the Euros at the last 16 stage over two weeks ago, hasn't allowed the uncertainty surrounding his future to distract him.

Calafiori has turned heads with a recent online post, showcasing his rigorous training regime during what is typically considered downtime. The 22-year-old's post captioned: "Pre-season mode activated!" - accompanying a video where he's visibly grafting hard.

Displayed in the video are snippets of the defender masterfully manoeuvring the ball around a series of cones, demonstrating not only quick-footed dexterity but also some aerial prowess with ball-heading sequences. Calafiori doesn't stop there - the clip progresses to reveal plyometric box jumps and concludes with the talented youngster initiating a sprint after impressively executing several defensive and footwork drills.

Liverpool.com says: Calafiori is a talented left-footed defender who can play at center-back or left-back. If Arsenal fails to get this transfer over the line, Liverpool should make a move.