The deal taking Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal could hit an unwanted delay after proposed Bologna replacement – Germany defender Mats Hummels – postponed his medical with the Italian side. Hummels, 35, is still expected to sign for Bologna this summer and football.london understands Calafiori will join Arsenal.
However, with the ink yet to dry on those respective transfers, Hummels – who left Borussia Dortmund as a free agent this summer – has asked for a few extra days to consider his decision. That’s according to emerging reports from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (print edition) on the former Bayern Munich defender.
In their ongoing pursuit for new signings, Arsenal have agreed a fee worth £38million with Bologna for Calafiori, who shone at Euro 2024 this summer. The 22-year-old can operate as a centre-back or left-back, offering Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta greater versatility and quality.
As per the Corriere dello Sport piece, Hummels is not stalling confirmation owing to interest from elsewhere, but the 78-cap veteran instead wants additional time to reflect after spending his entire career so far in Germany. The contract on the table for him is thought to be worth £1.68million plus bonuses per season.
Real Madrid are mooted with a last-gasp push for the veteran. Como, Napoli and Roma are also said to be circling, while Bologna had to cancel the initial arrangements they had made for flights and a medical. That could prompt a revived scramble for Bologna-bound Hummels.
However, while the 35-year-old is a prime candidate to replace Arsenal target Calafiori this summer, that move is still expected to go ahead, as planned, no matter what happens with Hummels. Arsenal are preparing to follow up their swoop for the Italian by attempting to sign another midfielder and striker.
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