Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signature of Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori with Chelsea still in the race for the Italy international.

Bologna expects a bidding war for their standout defender. And according to Football Italia, the Gunners have submitted an offer of €47 million to lure the Roma academy graduate.

The Rome-based newspaper reported that Bologna demanded €50 million for the 22-year-old. And Arsenal have offered about that amount. However, the Rossoblu have not yet agreed to the Gunners’ offer.

Calafiori will not join Juventus, according to Bologna director Giovanni Sartori, who also hinted that the 22-year-old’s transfer to the Premier League is still the most likely course of action.

Bologna are awaiting a new offer from Chelsea or Arsenal, according Il Corriere dello Sport.

Calafiori, who joined Bologna from Basel for €4 million last summer, has not seen the Blues submit an official bid for him.

If more Premier League clubs desire to sign Calafiori, his price may go up even further because Basel have a 40 percent clause on any further sales.

Following the addition of Tosin Adarbioyo from Fulham, Chelsea are still on the lookout for a centre-back. This is due to the departure of Thiago Silva from the club.

Arsenal on the other hand are looking for a credible backup for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to beat Manchester City to the Premier League after they fall short of glory in the last two seasons.