Exclusive: Arsenal are currently in the advanced stage of completing the first signing of the summer, and Mikel Arteta believes the new player will be a perfect addition to the Gunners squad…

Arsenal has reached a comprehensive agreement for a significant summer signing, with Mikel Arteta expressing confidence that the new addition will be an ideal fit for the Gunners.

Arsenal are currently in advanced discussions to secure the services of a standout defender from Euro 2024.

The Gunners have faced setbacks in their transfer pursuits, failing to secure RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko who opted to extend his stay with the Bundesliga club.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s search for a midfielder has hit a roadblock as Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is hesitant to commit to a deal with the North London club, with speculations suggesting his preference for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Arsenal’s confidence in Calafiori as a valuable addition

Reports suggest that Arsenal has made significant progress in securing a deal with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori, with negotiations currently underway between the two clubs and the player.

Mikel Arteta’s interest in the 22-year-old stems from his belief that Calafiori would seamlessly integrate into the team’s defensive setup, particularly in the left-back position.

Arsenal is prioritizing the acquisition of a new left-sided defender this summer, despite having a strong lineup including Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Nuno Tavares in that position.

All four of these players are set to depart Arsenal as the club opts for quality over quantity moving forward.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu and a potential new signing in mind to fill the left-sided defender role, Calafiori is being considered for the position.

Arsenal is moving forward with a deal for the defender, who they were already familiar with from his time at FC Basel.

Arsenal has stepped in after Juventus failed to reach an agreement for Calafiori, who impressed at Euro 2024.

Despite interest from other clubs, including Juventus, Arsenal is determined to secure the defender for their squad.

Unfortunately, negotiations with Bologna and Juventus did not go as expected. Bologna demanded £42 million in cash for the defender.

This is due to the fact that the Italian club would only receive approximately £15 million if Joshua Zirkzee joins Manchester United, a move that seems increasingly probable as Bayern Munich is entitled to half of the transfer fee.

HITC reported earlier this summer that Calafiori was willing to consider a move to England if an agreement could not be reached with Juventus, and Arsenal was among the clubs that were made aware of the situation.