Player pulled out of training camp and is one step away from signing for Arsenal

Arsenal have made concrete advances in their pursuit of Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, with the deal now close to conclusion.

That’s according to Calciomercato, who say the 22-year-old is one step away from making a switch to the Emirates.

The Serie A side are scheduled to have a training camp in Valles and the report says new Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano has left the defender out of the travelling squad. He also didn’t show up for training today at Casteldebole, the club’s training centre.

That’s because the deal to take the Italy international to Arsenal is ‘imminent’. It’s claimed the Gunners will pay around €50m to Bologna for the centre-back, without making it clear if that is including or excluding bonuses.

The Italian club will have to pay a percentage of the fee [said to be around 50%] to the player’s former club, FC Basel.

Calafiori has already agreed a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta’s side worth €4m per year.

Arsenal now seem to have a deal, or are at least close to agreeing a deal, with Bologna as the report claims they are preparing to sell Calafiori to the north London club.