Riccardo Calafiori will sign for Arsenal.. according to his ex (Photo: Getty)
Riccardo Calafiori’s big money transfer from Bologna to Arsenal is a done deal… according to the player’s ex-girlfriend.
The Italy international, who shone at Euro 2024, has emerged as Arsenal’s top target this summer.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to sign a new left-sided defender, with the Gunners said to be very close to sealing the deal for Calafiori despite some setbacks that threatened to derail the transfer.
Reports say Arsenal and Bologna have settled on a deal worth € 50 million (£42.1m), with personal terms already agreed with the 22-year-old who is very keen on moving to the Emirates.
And as of Saturday evening, the deal is all done and dusted, at least that’s what a rather unusual source has announced.
Benedetta Boeme, who until very recently was Calafiori’s girlfriend, has all but confirmed his move to the Premier League giants has been completed, as she posted a message on social media regarding their relationship.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘Many of you have been asking what’s been going on in my life lately, so I decided to finally share it with you. Riccardo and I are no longer together at the moment.
‘I don’t know if we will get through, but I doubt it. I needed some time to process everything that happened over the past 3-4 days. I still need time.
‘Thanks to everyone who showed me the video circulating on TikTok this week. I appreciate it; it was important for me to know the truth.
‘I’ve watched it countless times, searching for a reason to forgive and forget, but I couldn’t. We talked about it, but I am still uncertain of the answers to my questions.
‘It was a difficult decision, one we were considering for days. Neither of us wanted this, but what’s done is done and I can’t help it but want to run away from all this.
‘I will not tolerate any kind of hate towards me or him. I wish him all the best as he joins Arsenal. He has all my support.
‘And if any of my followers feel they don’t want to continue following me now that he’s not around, feel free to unfollow. Thank you for understanding.’
The video referenced by Boeme, which has gone viral on social media, appears to show Calafiori at a party with another woman.
When the transfer is officially announced he will become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after the permanent purchase of David Raya, or third if the deal for Ajax goalkeeper Tommy Setford is finalised first.