Arsenal’s transfer for Riccardo Calafiori hits rocks as Gunners ace proposed in swap deal holds out for another club

ARSENAL’S move for Riccardo Calafiori has hit the rocks with Jakub Kiwior reluctant to be used in a swap deal.

The Gunners are hoping to win the race for Bologna defender Calafiori after he starred for Italy at Euro 2024.

Getty

Riccardo Calafiori’s move to Arsenal has hit the rocks[/caption]

Alamy

Chelsea were interested in the centre-back before opting for Basel’s Renato Veiga.

And Arsenal have been locked in talks with Bologna over a fee for the past month.

The Italians, who will play in next season’s Champions League, want £46million for their star man.

They paid just £3.4m to sign him from Basel last summer — with Chelsea new boy Veiga arriving in Switzerland as his replacement.

But Basel are entitled to 50 per cent of the profit made on Califiori.

Bologna have been given a headache by the Swiss side refusing to negotiate a low percentage.

And Arsenal have so far only offered £37m in negotiations.

However, the Gunners are also prepared to use Poland international Kiwior as a makeweight in the deal.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

The Times claims Bologna are keen on bringing the former Spezia man back to Italy.

But Kiwior is not interested in joining them and would much prefer to sign for AC Milan, who have concrete interest in the versatile left-back.

His reluctance to become part of negotiations for Calafiori has seen talks with Bologna hit the rocks.

And Arsenal are now left in limbo ahead of their pre-season tour to the USA next week, with Mikel Arteta yet to make a new signing bar David Raya’s loan becoming permanent.

The Gunners had previously been interested in England’s Euro breakout star Marc Guehi.

But they did not follow up with a bid after being quoted £70m by Crystal Palace.

And that could open the door for Liverpool, with Man United also out of the running for Guehi after striking a £55m deal for Lille’s Leny Yoro.