Arsenal have reportedly hit the front in the race to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori and could even complete the deal before the end of the week.

The 22-year-old, who was one of the few success stories of Italy’s disastrous Euro 2024 campaign, looked to be heading Juventus in the summer transfer window to reunite with his former mentor Thiago Motta ,but his current employers are reluctant to see their prize asset go to another Serie A rival.

Sky Sport Italy (via tuttomercatoweb) claims that despite approaches from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League rivals Chelsea, it’s the project that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has put on the table, that seems to have got the green-light from the player and his entourage and it’s understood that talks are now moving to an advanced stage.

Calafiori, who grew up in the youth ranks at Roma, burst on to the scene last season at the Stadio Dall’Ara last season and his impressive performances helped Bologna to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Steve Mitchell | GIFN