Bologna chairman responds when asked about Arsenal and Riccardo Calafiori talks

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Arsenal are yet to get off the mark in terms of signings this summer, though they have been trying to get one deal over the line.

Over the past few weeks, the Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Bologna defender and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.

However, after an initial flurry of speculation, things have slowed down somewhat, and there haven’t been many concrete updates of late.

Now, Calciomercato.it has asked Bologna chairman Claudio Fenucci about the state of play involving his club, Arsenal, and Calafiori.

READ MORE: Club director says Arsenal wanted to sign 13-goal international who ‘wins matches’

Bologna chairman coy on Arsenal and Riccardo Calafiori talks

The Italian outlet, sharing footage on their X account, shows a journalist asking Fenucci whether there is an agreement with Arsenal, to which he replied: “There are no news.”

Fenucci was then asked about Juventus, who have also been linked with a move. He replied: “Juve? Not heard from them.”

Payment structure reportedly holding up Calafiori to Arsenal deal

Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano spoke about what seems to be holding the deal up.

The transfer insider reported earlier this week that both clubs were yet to agree on the payment structure for Calafiori.

“The issue is that Bologna want guaranteed money while Arsenal’s proposal includes add-ons structure to get to €50m potential fee,” said Romano.

“Despite what has been suggested elsewhere, there’s no ‘issue’ with Basel: they will receive 50% of the deal, that’s it.

“Bologna want €50m fixed exactly because they have to give over €20m to Basel, this is the point.”

With reports suggesting Real Madrid may also enter the race for Calafiori after missing out on Leny Yoro, Arsenal need to be careful.