Transfer battles between Arsenal and Chelsea are becoming quite a regular occurance it has to be said.

The Gunners and the Blues keep clashing in the transfer window as they’ve both tried to sign the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice in recent years.

Now, once again, both London clubs are vying for the same transfer target in the shape of Riccardo Calafiori, and this race appears to be very close.

Speaking on the London is Blue Podcast, Ben Jacobs has been discussing the race to sign Calafiori, and he says that the race to bring the Bologna star to the Premier League is very even at the moment.

Arsenal and Chelsea neck and neck in Riccardo Calafiori race

Jacobs spoke about the race to sign the defender.

“This is a seriously seasoned footballer. He’s mature, he’s a leader, he’s good with set-pieces. He has everything in his locker and that’s why Chelsea are there, but Arsenal are too. At the moment I would say it’s a 50/50 race. He will cost €50m (£45M), something in that ballpark and I don’t think price will be an issue at the end of the day,” Jacobs said.

Chelsea and Arsenal have strong cases

Both of these teams have strong cases to make to Calafiori.

Chelsea, despite their recent struggles, are still a huge club who can offer a lot of money and plenty of gametime to a player who needs minutes at the age of just 22.

Meanwhile, a move to Arsenal would present a more realistic chance to challenge for major honours in the coming season as the north London club look to build on what was a very narrow second-place finish last time around.

Calafiori is in an envious position as he has two huge clubs looking to sign him, and it remains to be seen where he chooses to play his football next season.

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