Bologna’s chief, Claudio Fenucci, has denied speculations that Riccardo Calafiori may join Arsenal soon.
The Gunners have encountered many obstacles in their recent attempts to finalize a deal for the Italy defender.
The 22-year-old was a top target for Mikel Arteta during the summer transfer window, and the coach believed he may make it to the team for the preseason tour of the United States.
Earlier this week, it was claimed a €40m fee had been agreed between Arsenal and the Serie A side, but the finer details of a sell-on clause with his former club FC Basel were causing delays.
The Times also reported defender Jakub Kiwior was reluctant to leave north London to act as a makeweight in the transfer.
Calafiori has been widely expected to complete his move to the Premier League before the season starts despite the hold ups, with personal terms reportedly already ironed out.
But now Bologna’s CEO Claudio Fenucci has put another spanner in the works by suggesting there’s been no progress between the two clubs.
Bologna CEO Fenucci on Riccardo Calafiori and the negotiations with Arsenal:
"There's no news. Juventus [rumours]? I haven't heard it."
📹 @GiokerMusso pic.twitter.com/m2xXuRH7zp
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) July 19, 2024
When questioned by a reporter today who asked Fenucci if there was ‘any news about Calafiori’ and ‘the negotiations with Arsenal’, he bluntly replied: ‘No, there is no news.’
Juventus have also been linked with Calafiori but Fenucci also denied that rumour, saying: ‘Juventus? I haven’t heard anything.’
The reporter again repeated his question of whether there were any updates on talks with either Juventus or Arsenal as Fenucci got into the back of a car.
He said, ‘no, no,’ before closing the door.
Following the latest snag, Calafiori is now expected to return for pre-season training with Bologna this weekend as the transfer saga rumbles on.
Arsenal, who are yet to confirm any summer signings other than making the move for David Raya a permanent one, will fly out to America for the start of their pre-season tour on Sunday before playing Bournemouth on July 25.
Arteta’s side then face Manchester United and Liverpool on July 28 and August 1.