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Arsenal fans have had to wait quite a while for concrete transfer speculation to finally come their way.
With August now on the horizon, the Gunners are yet to get a senior signing over the line, though that looks set to change very soon.
England youth international goalkeeper Tommy Setford joined Arsenal from Ajax earlier this month, but he will go into the Hale End setup initially.
However, things have now picked up pace, and Fabrizio Romano has finally delivered the “here we go” many Gunners fans will have been waiting for.
Here we go’ on Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal
The player in question is Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori, who now looks set to join Arsenal from Bologna.
On Wednesday afternoon, David Ornstein broke the news of Arsenal now having all agreements in place over a deal for Calafiori, deeming it “essentially done” .
Romano then provided an update shortly after Ornstein’s post, saying “formal steps are only left but all being resolved, then… here we go.”
And now, on Wednesday evening, the transfer insider has finally declared “here we go” on Calafiori to Arsenal.
Romano reported that Bologna and Arsenal have now started to exchange documents, with everything also sorted between the Italians and FC Basel.
The Swiss side, who Calafiori swapped for Bologna last summer, are reportedly set to earn 50 percent of the profit from the transfer, according to talkSPORT.
Calafiori is set to sign a five-year deal at Arsenal – albeit with no option to extend – for €4million per season in net salary.
“Medical in the US, deal done and story confirmed,” concluded Romano.
Leonardo Bonucci makes feelings clear on Calafiori leaving Italy for Arsenal
And so it looks like the Riccardo Calafiori transfer saga is coming to an end. Barring any out-of-the-ordinary late twists, the Italy international will be playing in the red and white of north London.
Arsenal already had a solid defence prior to the signing of the Bologna man, but now they may well have the strongest defensive setup in the Premier League, if not Europe.
The Gunners’ gain – indeed, that of the English top flight – is Serie A’s loss, with Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci bemoaning the fact Calafiori will be swapping the Italian top flight for England.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia about Calafiori and his move to Arsenal, Bonucci said: “Calafiori? I’m sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus.
“He’s a defender who’s a little different to what we’re used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in.
“We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years.”
