Riccardo Calafiori’s move to Arsenal is being ‘investigated by lawyers’
A legal battle has opened up as part of Riccardo Calafiori’s move to Arsenal.
Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer to Arsenal is set to be investigated by lawyers, according to a report.
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Calafiori for a fee expected to be worth a combined £42.1 million.
Bologna have been holding out for that figure as discussions continue over a payment structure and clauses.
Part of the deal will see the defender’s former club Basel bank 50 per cent of Bologna’s profit of any deal.
However, AS Roma, one of his other clubs, are not pleased with the financial aspects of the deal and they are particularly not happy with Basel, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Roma believe that they should earn £6.7 million from the transfer because of the clause they had in the deal when Basel signed the player.
In the summer of 2022, Calafiori joined the Swiss outfit for £2 million and the Serie A side had a resale percentage of 40 per cent.
Basel then sold him to Bologna for £3.4 million, with Roma pocketing £1 million from the deal.
Riccardo Calafiori in action for Italy at Euro 2024. Image: Getty
But Roma believe the payment isn’t over yet as Basel are earning 50 per cent of what Bologna will receive.
They state that Basel didn’t inform them about the deal, and they believe that their 40 per cent sell-on percentage also refers to what the club will earn from Calafiori’s switch to Arsenal.
The lawyers of both clubs are assessing how to resolve the situation.
The 22-year-old is sought after following his performances for Italy at Euro 2024.
Real Madrid and Juventus also tried to sign him, but Arsenal have won the race to acquire his services ahead of the new season.
He only wanted the Gunners, having given his word he would join the North London outfit.