Arsenal transfer news: Calafiori plan emerges as his arrival sparks first exit

Arsenal are closing in on their second major signing of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners started the off-season by completing a deal to secure David Raya from Brentford and have signed a few other goalkeepers for their under-21 side. Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard have arrived after Arthur Okonkwo joined Wrexham.

But Arsenal supporters have been crying out for some more movement in the transfer market and Riccardo Calafiori has been the name on their lips in recent weeks. The Italy international is now very close to becoming an Arsenal player – and his arrival could trigger a few more deals.

Here  Mirror Football  takes you through all the latest involving Mikel Arteta ’s side, who are now out in the United States.

Everything has now been agreed with Bologna, who will receive a fee of £34million plus add-ons. Calafiori was left out of the Italian side’s squad for their pre-season training camp and is now expected to complete a medical and sign a five-year contract in the coming days.

The centre-back made it clear he had his heart set on Arsenal and the only delay was down to money, with his former club Basel wanting to make sure they got their piece having sold him to Bologna in £3.3m last summer.

Calafiori will fly out to the USA to complete all the formalities and join his new team-mates. Arsenal are in Los Angeles for Wednesday's match against Bournemouth and face Manchester United on Saturday.

Calafiori’s arrival has paved the way for the departure of Jakub Kiwior after just 18 months with Arsenal. Kiwior made 38 appearances for the Gunners last season, contributing two goals and three assists, and showed his worth to Arteta.

The Arsenal manager wanted to hang onto Kiwior, but with firm interest from Inter Milan, he is happy to let him go. Gazzetta dello Sport says that the Poland international has 'said yes' to a move after being sounded out by Inter.

Kiwior arrived from Spezia in January 2023 and now looks poised to move back to Italy. The 24-year-old proved useful filling in at left-back last season but the return to fitness of Jurrien Timber has nullified that need.

Kiwior isn’t the only player who is eyeing the exit at Arsenal, with Reiss Nelson, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe attracting interest. Arteta and sporting director Edu have different stances on each player.

Smith Rowe is wanted by Fulham and Crystal Palace, but Arteta will only let him leave if they meet his valuation and the midfielder is desperate to leave. It’s a similar stance on Nketiah, who is being courted by Marseille.

Chelsea are not interested in Ramsdale anymore and his departure now seems unlikely, but Nelson could join Leicester after they approached Arsenal asking to take him on loan with an option to buy.