Everyone wants a slice of the Calafiori cake
Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer to Arsenal is under investigation threatening to delay the completion of the move.
The Italian defender has been in high demand recently after a great season at Bologna and a solid Euros.
His recent success has garnered interest from Arsenal who are frontrunners in a deal for the 22-year-old from Rome, however recent complications threaten to complicate the move.
Arsenal and Bologna have all but agreed a fee of £42.1m, however a sell on clause from a previous deal has lead to a dispute between two of the player’s former clubs.
Calafiori started his professional career at Roma where he made 10 appearances before making the switch to Swiss giants Basel for £2m along with a 40% resale clause.
One season later Basel sold the defender on for £3.4m which Roma received a £1m slice of the cake from.
Meanwhile Basel made sure to insert a 50% sell-on clause in their sale to Bologna which now looks like is due to pay dividends.
Basel would receive a cool £21m when the move is eventually finalised, only £8m short of the Swiss club’s entire value.
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Roma however, claim that they were not informed on the deal and believe they are now owed 40% of the Calafiori’s next move.
In fact they are so convinced of their claim they have opened a legal battle between the two clubs.
Now lawyers from both clubs are assessing how to move forwards, potentially slowing down an eventual arrival in north London.
Calafiori’s stock has been on the rise for months after a successful Serie A season with Bologna that saw the club reach the Champions League for the first time in their history.
He enjoyed a solid Euros despite an overall disappointing tournament for Italy who were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland.
The young defender had plenty of interest from across Europe, however has said he has given Arsenal his word to join The Gunners.
