Source: REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
[Saba Sports News] Arsenal recently signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, and the player’s transfer fee increased nearly tenfold in just one year. According to British media reports, Basel sold Calafiori to Bologna for 4 million euros in the last summer transfer window, with Basel also set to receive 50% of Calafiori’s second transfer fee. Reports suggest that Arsenal’s transfer fee for acquiring Calafiori is based on 40 million euros, plus a floating amount of 5 million euros and a second transfer fee clause. The final step involves Basel and Bologna agreeing on the details and payment method for the 50% of the secondary transfer fee. Calafiori, who is 22 years old, came through the youth system at Roma and can play as a center-back or left-back. Last season, he made 33 appearances for Bologna, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists. His contract with Bologna runs until 2027. Calafiori was also selected for the Italian national team as a key defender in this summer’s European Cup, where they reached the Round of 16. Currently, Calafiori’s transfer price is 45 million euros, representing a nearly tenfold increase in his value within a year.