Bologna orders Calafiori to resume preseason

The latest information from Italy says Bologna is prepared for life after Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori, who has been asked to resume from the preseason. 

Bologna have asked the Italy international to attend preseason training after negotiations with Arsenal remained at a standstill over a €10m difference between offer and valuation.

The deal was reportedly done a couple of weeks ago for €54m, but it seems as if that figure includes rather a lot of add-ons and performance-related bonuses, while the Rossoblu would prefer a guaranteed fee.

Bologna prefers to keep Calafiori because they won’t get all the add-on fees as FC Basel have a right to 40 per cent of the sell-on fee.

There was such agreements between both parties when the Swiss club sold Calafiori to Bologna for just €4m a year ago. 

Having since flourished, the profile of the centre-back has been raised, coupled with performances for Italy at EURO 2024.

This is why Bologna wants at least €50m in cash, plus add-ons for the 22-year-old. 

If Arsenal failed to meet their valuation, Sky Sport Italia reported that they would be more than happy to keep the defender and asked him to attend preseason training with new coach Vincenzo Italiano.

Meanwhile, Bologna is hunting for a new center-back and has opened talks with Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. 

According to reports, the 29-year-old Italian centre back, who recently penned a new two-year contract with the Banco Neri, is not expected to play a significant role in Thiago Motta’s new project. 

He has started receiving offers, including one from Saudi Arabia, and Atalanta have been linked with a move as well.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Bologna have set their sights on Rugani as they look around for defensive reinforcements, adding him to their list alongside Mats Hummels and Udinese’s Jaka Bijol.

The Rossoblu have already contacted the Juventus defender’s agent and may soon make contact with the Old Lady.