Arsenal are reportedly close to signing a £42.4m star from the UCL club, with a ‘more compelling offer’ on the table

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners have been in negotiations with Bologna over Calafiori in recent days and are currently working to complete a deal worth £42.4 million.

The club have reportedly presented Bologna with a “more compelling offer” for the Italian star after beating off competition from Juventus, Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.

His agent Alessandro Lucci is trying to reduce the “remaining distance” between the clubs.

Arsenal move closer to signing Calafiori from Bologna

The Gunners have identified Calafiori as their main defensive target and have already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, putting them in pole position to sign him.

With no direct competition at the moment, Arsenal have the opportunity to negotiate a better payment structure. They could propose a lower fee up front with performance bonuses.

Calafiori began his career as a left-back before becoming a regular in central defence at Bologna. At Arsenal, he will most likely play on the left side of the back four.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta split playing time between Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu last season. He may want a permanent figure.

Jurrien Timber, who suffered a serious knee injury in his debut season, is another option at Arteta’s disposal, but Calafiori could become a mainstay after his move from Bologna.

Calafiori had a passing accuracy of 90 percent last season, with 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and 6.4 ball recoveries per game. He was brilliant in the air, winning 71 percent of his aerial duels.

The Italian also scored two goals and provided five assists in Serie A as Bologna qualified for the Champions League after 60 years. Almost 20 percent of his appearances last season were at left-back.

It will be interesting to see how he copes with the higher intensity in the Premier League.

Statistics from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com