Arsenal have had a €47 million bid for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori rejected according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
The London club are keen to add the 22-year-old to their squad, but the Serie A club is holding out for a higher fee.
Bologna sporting director Giovanni Sartori confirmed the club’s stance.
“At this time, we will try to keep Calafiori. If important requests come we will have to think about it, I do not say that we will give it, because the president has exposed himself saying that he wants to keep the whole team, but certainly some evaluations we will make.”
According to the report Bologna are hoping to spark a bidding war for Calafiori, with Chelsea also reportedly interested in the defender.
The Blues could potentially offer more than Arsenal’s initial bid, pushing the transfer fee closer to €50 million, although they cannot offer Champions League football.
After signing Calafiori last summer for just €4m, Bologna owe 40% of any transfer fee to his former club, FC Basel by way of a hefty sell-on clause.
Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori does not come as a surprise, given his impressive performances for Bologna last season.
The versatile defender made 33 appearances for the Serie A club, scoring two goals, and earned a call-up to the Italian national team for Euro 2024 where he was one of few Italians to standout.
Calafiori’s ability to play both as a centre-back and a left-back makes him an attractive option for Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options.
The Gunners have already conducted business with Bologna in the past, having signed Takehiro Tomiyasufrom the Italian club in 2021 and could be hoping that relationship helps them now.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days according to the report from Italy.