Arsenal update on Riccardo Calafiori talks as Bologna transfer chief goes public

Arsenal remain in pole position to sign Riccardo Calafiori despite talks over a summer move stalling, Bologna chairman Claudio Fenucci has suggested.

The Gunners want to sign a left-footed defender and the 22-year-old has emerged as a key target, however there remains a gap in valuation. Bologna want at least £42million but reports in Italy claim Arsenal have met to offer more than £34million.

Bologna's desire to get top dollar for their defender is in part driven by Calafiori's former club Basel being due half of any fee received.

Standard Sport understands Calafiori is keen on a move to Emirates Stadium and is attracted to the idea of working under Mikel Arteta.

Asked for an update on Calafiori's future, Bologna chief Fenucci simply replied: “No news.”

He was then asked if Juventus have been back in touch after their interest went cold, to which Fenucci said: "I haven’t heard from them."

The Gunners, always among the biggest spenders in Europe since Arteta became manager, addressed the club's lack of signings earlier this month. He said: “I think you can tell everything is a bit slower.

"I think the market and the new rules in place have caused that clubs are more aware and it’s a bit more delicate to do business in the way we’ve done in the last few seasons.

“We have adapted to that, and we still want to deliver what we want in the transfer window to have a much more competitive team, and improve the squad in every area that we can.”