Arsenal’s move for Riccardo Calafiori has been delayed due to a disagreement between Bologna and the Italian’s former club FC Basel according to reports in Italy.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad in a bid to avoid missing out on the Premier League title for a third consecutive season, and are believed to be in the market for a defender, midfielder and striker.

Mikel Arteta has identified Calafiori as a top target and Arsenal have been in talks with Bologna over a move for the 22-year-old.

Dispute between Bologna and Basel holding up Calafiori deal

Calafiori had a brilliant season with Bologna under Thiago Motta as the club qualified for the Champions League, and he had been expected to follow his former manager to Juventus.

The defender impressed at Euro 2024 despite Italy having a disastrous campaign, in which they were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16.

Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with the defender and are understood to have agreed a fee with Bologna worth an initial £33.5m with a further £4.5 in add ons.

However, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported the deal has been held up due to a dispute between Bologna and Basel over the Italian’s sell on clause.

The report adds that Basel are asking for 50% of the fee that Arsenal are set to pay, after they agreed a sell on clause when they sold Calafiori to Bologna last summer.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport add the clubs haven’t spoken in five days and that Bologna feel the sell on clause is unfair given Calafiori was only at Basel for a year, and they are attempting to renegotiate it.

The Italy international is reportedly set to join Bologna’s pre-season training camp at the end of the week, whilst the Gunners jet off to America for their tour on July 21st, hoping a deal can be wrapped up for the defender before then.

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Arsenal are considering loaning out Aaron Ramsdale due to a lack of interest in the England international according to reports.

Ramsdale arrived at the Emirates in a surprise move from Sheffield United in 2021, and was the club’s first choice goalkeeper for two seasons.

The England international lost his place in the side to David Raya last season following the Spaniard’s arrival on loan from Brentford, and the Gunners have subsequently made his move permanent this summer.

Arsenal could loan Ramsdale

It’s been a frustrating window for the Gunners so far as they look to strengthen their squad to make sure they don’t come up short again in the Premier League title race.

Benjamin Sesko opted to remain at RB Leipzig rather than move to the Emirates, whilst a move for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori appears to have stalled.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Spain internationals Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino but have yet to make any serious inroads into a deal for either player.

Outgoings will also be key and the Gunners have a number of players they are looking to offload.

Ramsdale is expected to leave the Emirates this summer, with Arsenal believed to value him at around £40m.

However, HITC report that the north London club could look to loan the 26-year-old as there hasn’t been much interest at their valuation.

The report adds that the club are open to selling the goalkeeper, but the asking price has so far put off potential suitors.

It appears that Ramsdale, who was part of the England squad for Euro 2024 doesn’t have a huge number of options this summer.

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The shot stopper was linked with a move to Newcastle earlier in the summer, but a move to St James’ Park never materialised, and he’s recently been linked with a move to newly promoted Southampton.

Ramsdale needs to leave Arsenal and kick start his career in a new environment where he’s going to play regular football.

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Southampton are considering a move for out of favour Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale according to reports.

Ramsdale is expected to leave the Emirates this summer having lost his place to David Raya last season, and Arsenal have now made the Spaniard’s loan move permanent.

With Euro 2024 now out of the way the 26-year-old can think about his future and decide what the next best step for his career would be.

Southampton consider Ramsdale move

The England international had been linked with a move to Newcastle earlier in the summer, but that won’t be happening after the Magpies signed Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest.

However, The Sun report that newly promoted Southampton are considering a shock bid for the Arsenal star, with the Gunners possibly wanting as much as £30m for the goalkeeper.

Southampton have had a good start to the transfer window with Taylor Harwood-Bellis making his move for Manchester City permanent, whilst the Saints have also signed Adam Lallana.

The report adds that Mikel Arteta’s side would love to keep Ramsdale as their number two, but understand the situation he finds himself in, and it’s also claimed Arsenal would consider a loan if no club meets their valuation.

The Gunners have already identified possible replacements for the Englishman, and saw a bid rejected by Wolves for Dan Bentley, whilst Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is also said to be attracting interest.

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Ramsdale has been at the Emirates since 2021 following a surprise move from Sheffield United, and has gone on to make 89 appearances for the Gunners, but was limited to just 11 appearances in all competitions last season, with just six of those coming in the Premier League.

Arsenal are yet to sign anyone and are currently trying to conclude a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, but the transfer fee is believed to be holding proceedings up, with the Italy international keen on the move.

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Arsenal have rejected bids from Crystal Palace and Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

It’s been a quiet transfer window for the Gunners so far as the club look to strengthen a squad that narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are trying to wrap up a deal for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori but a fee between the two clubs seems to be a stumbling point, whilst several fringe players have departed the club.

Arsenal reject Smith-Rowe bids

Smith Rowe, who came through the Arsenal academy is a player this is expected to leave the Emirates this summer in search of more regular first team football.

Sky Sports reporter Sheth has stated that Crystal Palace and Fulham have had bids rejected for Smith-Rowe with discussions taking place at both clubs about whether to return with an improved offer.

He took to X.com and said:

“BREAKING: Arsenal reject bids from Fulham & Crystal Palace for forward Emile Smith Rowe.

“Discussions ongoing at both clubs over whether to go back in with improved offer.

“Smith Rowe wants to assess all options – regular first team football is primary motivation. #AFC #FFC #CPFC.”

BREAKING: Arsenal reject bids from Fulham & Crystal Palace for forward Emile Smith Rowe.
Discussions ongoing at both clubs over whether to go back in with improved offer. Smith Rowe wants to assess all options – regular first team football is primary motivation. #AFC #FFC #CPFC

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 15, 2024

The 23-year-old has been at Arsenal since the age of ten, and had a breakout season under Arteta during the 2020/2021 campaign, but injuries have severely limited his minutes over the past two yeas.

Smith Rowe is out of contract at the Emirates in 2026, but with a new deal highly unlikely, this summer represents the best chance for Arsenal to get the highest fee possible.

The academy graduate made 19 appearances last season in all competitions, but played a total of just 475 minuted and failed to find the back of the net.

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A move to Crystal Palace could be exciting given what Oliver Glasner seems to be building at Selhurst Park with exciting players like Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada who has just joined the club this summer.

Now the Euros and the Copa America are over things should start to heat up in the transfer market as pre-season begins and the start of the season draws closer.

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Declan Rice has admitted England’s defeat to Italy in Euro 2020 will “haunt him forever”, but urged the Three Lions to create their own history on Sunday.

With their last minute win against the Netherlands, England have now made back to back European Championship finals and are a game away from ending their 58-year wait for success, which goes all the way back to 1966.

Standing in England’s way is an in form Spain side who have won every game in Germany so far and are in their first major final since 2012.

Rice urges England to create history

England find themselves in familiar territory in Berlin having been in a similar situation three years ago against Italy at Wembley.

Despite taking an early lead through Luke Shaw they ultimately came up short and agonisingly lost on penalties, and will no doubt be using that defeat as fuel on Sunday.

Rice, who played in that final and has been an ever present for England at Euro 2024 admitted the Italy defeat will haunt him forever, but called on England to write their own history.

“Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever,” he told The Evening Standard.

“We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history.

“It is a game we believe we can win, so it is poised to be a great final.

“There is one more in our legs to give it absolutely everything for the boys, for the fans and for this manager.

“We are so desperate to do this and bring some happiness to the country.”

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England have come under criticism for their performances at the tournament, but this side have shown they are tough to beat and create moments out of nothing as shown through Jude Bellingham’s injury time bicycle kick against Slovakia and Ollie Watkins’ last minute winner against the Dutch.

Spain will be another level up, and Southgate and the nation will be hoping England can find just one more of those moments.

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Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Spain have by most people’s estimates been the best side at Euro 2024, and their victory over France was met with the euphoria of genuine moment that will go down in history – Lamine Yamal’s golazo.

In Iberia, Spain are no doubt regarded as favourites, and while there is optimism, and a belief that La Roja are the better team, England’s knack for finding a way in extremis, and the underperforming quality in their ranks has brought with it a certain cautiousness ahead of Sunday. The good atmosphere around the Spain squad has been one of the most visible reasons to believe in their side though.

"Harry Kane is one of the best forwards there is."

"The English team has decisive players up front and they can do a lot of damage with just sparks. We must keep a close eye on them."

??Spain centre-back Dani Vivian #Euro2024 #England #LaRoja pic.twitter.com/Gb0LXgdNH5

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 11, 2024

That atmosphere has been felt throughout Spain, but a little less in Bilbao. Although their players are a key reason for their success, the constant speculation surrounding Nico Williams, linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona, has rubbed Athletic Club up the wrong way. President Jon Uriarte criticised Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta for publicly declaring an interest – Williams reportedly has agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana.

Arsenal intend to compete with Barcelona for Mikel Merino by all accounts too, but there Mikel Arteta may have more reason for optimism. Chelsea are also interested in Williams still, even if they are looking at alternatives, but they have given up on Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, as per the latest in Spain.

Josema Gimenez was fuming about the events ar Copa America last night. pic.twitter.com/5d98PhFR1t

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 11, 2024

Real Madrid can finally present Kylian Mbappe as their ultimate galactico signing on Tuesday at noon at the Santiago Bernabeu after France were knocked out – already there is a 4-6 week wait for ‘Mbappe 9’ shirts.

Their efforts are now focused on Leny Yoro, who they have agreed terms with. Manchester United are trying to persuade him to change his mind and head to Old Trafford though, and the fact that Los Blancos have identified an alternative to Yoro is perhaps a reason for a little optimism for Erik ten Hag.

? "Speak now, speak now!"

Lamine Yamal sends a clear message to Adrien Rabiot, after helping Spain to victory over France at #EURO2024.pic.twitter.com/aTiNNdNPzQ

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 9, 2024

Alvaro Morata’s future remains in the air with talk that he will U-turn on his decision to stay in Spain, and head to AC Milan. United’s Donny van de Beek has arrived in Girona to sign with the Champions League side. Finally, a warning to the England squad, just avoid the topic of Lamine Yamal in press conferences, Adrien Rabiot wasn’t even that critical of him, and it did not end well for him.

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Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Euro 2024 has been a good time for Spain, with La Roja playing comfortably the best football at the tournament, and now arguably into the final four as favourites. An injury to Pedri was the main sour note from their win over Germany, but even then it was his replacement Dani Olmo who first scored and then provided the cross for Mikel Merino’s outstanding header.

The tournament has provided a useful barrier for many of the Spain players linked with a move, with Nico Williams, Olmo and Merino (and his father) all saying they will deal with transfers after the tournament – when they will also be exempt from media duties too. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta clearly still enjoys watching La Liga, as not only have Williams and Merino been linked to the Gunners, there’s also Jules Kounde and long-term target Martin Zubimendi.

There’s bad news on the latter front, as Zubimendi has, like last summer, reiterated his desire to stay at Real Sociedad. Kounde has also in recent months said he has no plans to leave Barcelona, but there is a steady stream of links to French defender, and if Barcelona cannot sell Ronald Araujo, then seemingly they would be open to letting Kounde go.

? Ronald Araujo is set to miss 6-8 weeks, as reported by Javi Miguel.

The #FCBarcelona defender injured his hamstring while playing in Uruguay's Copa America quarter-final against Brazil. pic.twitter.com/esgZyDzmPG

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 7, 2024

Benfica have been heavily linked to Joao Felix this week. Atletico Madrid would not only be delighted not to have to loan him back to Barcelona on a cheaper deal, and to move him permanently, but there has been no offer for Felix yet. It remains to be seen whether he would be open to an offer if one arrived. Chelsea appear to have re-opened talks for Samu Omorodion, but if Atletico demand his release clause, then it might be a little too much for the Blues.

Across the city, Real Madrid continue their waiting game for Leny Yoro, but another name familiar to Arsenal fans, Dani Ceballos, is looking to leave for more minutes. If Los Blancos are to let him go, they want a decent offer though, meaning the Premier League is his most likely destination.

West Ham have been linked with a number of players this summer, and the latest to be attributed to their shortlist is Villarreal’s Alexander Sorloth, who finished runner-up as top scorer in Spain last summer. It seems as if it will be a busy summer in Spain this year, but all eyes are on France on Tuesday for now, as Luis de la Fuente steps forward as an unlikely hero.

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Bukayo Saka revealed he used the experience of missing his penalty in the final of Euro 2020 to make him stronger. 

Saka was England’s standout performer against Switzerland and was rightfully named Player of the Match.

The Arsenal star was deployed as a right wing back as Gareth Southgate switched to a back three, and he was a constant threat throughout causing problems for the Swiss defence.

Saka rescued England with an equaliser ten minutes from time with a brilliant strike from outside the box after Breel Embolo had given the Swiss the lead.

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The 22-year-old then bravely stepped up in the shootout, knowing what had happened against Italy, but he rose to the occasion to send the ball past Yann Sommer.

Speaking in the aftermath of the game Saka revealed he had used the experience of missing in the final to make him stronger and said England will do whatever it takes to win.

?? "I used it to make me stronger."

Bukayo Saka ??#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #ENGSUI pic.twitter.com/BqTvhGlYeS

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2024

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Eddie Nketiah is very likely to leave Arsenal this summer according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Gunners are in the market for a striker as they look for a regular source of goals that they hope will see them win a first Premier League title in over 20 years next season.

Arsenal were strongly linked with Benjamin Sesko before he decided to stay at RB Leipzig, and they have also been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, but it appears one striker will be leaving the Emirates this summer.

Nketiah expected to leave Arsenal this summer

Nketiah has struggled at Arsenal and only scored five Premier League goals last season, with three of those coming against bottom club Sheffield United.

The 25-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions last season and played a total of 1416 minutes.

It appears first team minutes are going to becoming increasingly more difficult to come by for Nketiah and Sheth has reported he is very likely to leave this summer if a club comes in for him.

“If you add to that, that Eddie Nketiah is very likely to move on from Arsenal this summer, then there will be not least squad space for them to bring someone like that in,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“There have been all sorts of links; we know about the link with Benjamin Sesko, but he signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, and the link with Viktor Gyokeres doesn’t go away either from Sporting Lisbon.”

The Gunners have reportedly set an asking price of £50m for Nketiah which is unlikely to attract many suitors.

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The likes of Crystal Palace, Wolves and Fulham have been linked with a move for Nketiah, but at a reported £50m there’s little chance they will try and complete a deal.

If Nketiah does depart that leaves Arsenal with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as their forward options so reinforcements would certainly be required.

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Chelsea and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Bakayoko scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Eredivisie appearances last season as PSV won the league title.

The 21-year-old is currently away with Belgium at Euro 2024, but has only played 30 minutes in their opening two games.

Chelsea and Liverpool interested in Bakayoko

Bakayoko is under contract at PSV until 2026, but is expected to leave the Dutch Champions for a new challenge this summer.

Tavolieri took to X.com to confirm that the winger will be leaving this summer, but it was unclear where his next destination would be.

In response to a question about where Bakayoko’s next destination could be Tavolieri said:

“Never said that it won’t be Arsenal by the way. But it’s just to date the current situation on Bakayoko at the moment. Liverpool still on it. Chelsea too.”

?? Never said that it won’t be Arsenal by the way. But it’s just to date the current situation on Bakayoko at the moment. Liverpool still on it. Chelsea too. https://t.co/Vnwjd7kouT

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 25, 2024

It makes sense that both Chelsea and Liverpool are monitoring the situation given they are likely to sign a winger this summer.

Having missed out on Michael Olise the Blues will be turning to alternative targets of which Bakayoko could be one, whilst they have also been linked with Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville, who could be available for around £30m.

Liverpool have had a slow start in the transfer market under new manager Arne Slot, but with question marks surrounding the future of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah they have been linked with bringing a wide player in.

Like Chelsea the Reds also hold an interest in Summerville, and the 22-year-old might get more first team opportunities with Liverpool than Chelsea.

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Arsenal could also be a club to watch according to Tavolieri, but he adds that to date there has been no contact between the club and Bakayoko.

The Gunners could do with adding another option in the wide areas to provide back-up for Bukayo Saka.

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