Arsenal close in on second summer signing, offer made to ‘burn the competition’ from Chelsea | OneFootball

Arsenal have made a second bid worth £46.6 million for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as they look to ‘burn the competition’ from Chelsea, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Gunners have earmarked Calafiori as their top defensive target. They reportedly agreed terms over a five-year contract with the Italian star yesterday.

Arsenal were tipped to make an improved offer worth £46.6m to meet the asking price and the proposal was submitted last night.

They are preparing to close the operation quickly amid interest from Chelsea and other Premier League clubs.

Calafiori could become the club’s second summer signing after goalkeeper David Raya who joined permanently on Thursday.

Calafiori on the cusp of Arsenal transfer

After a quiet start to the summer transfer window, Arsenal could step things up as they prepare to strengthen the squad which missed out on the Premier League title by two points.

They have already secured signed Raya permanently after a successful loan spell. Calafiori could be the next arrival with talks advanced with Bologna after personal terms were agreed.

The 22-year-old would be a superb signing for the Gunners due to his strong defensive attributes.

Calafiori primarily played in the left central defensive role at Bologna last term but also made a handful of appearances at left-back, which was his primary position before his move to the Serie A outfit.

He could re-establish himself on the left side of Arsenal’s back four. His arrival could lead to Jakub Kiwior’s exit. The Pole has been linked with a return to Serie A with Juventus in recent days.