Bologna CEO issues blunt three-word response when asked about Riccardo Calafiori's move to Arsenal

Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci gave a brutal response when asked about defender Riccardo Calafiori's potential transfer to Arsenal.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners since the summer transfer window opened last month.

Those links intensified as a result of Calafiori's impressive performances at Euro 2024 with Italy, despite Luciano Spalletti's side being knocked out at the last 16 stage.

The Times reported that Arsenal were prepared to offer £37 million to sign the centre-back, who was converted from a left-back by the now former Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

Motta left the club for Juventus after guiding Bologna to the Champions League, a success which means the Italian side are able to demand more money for their key players.

It is claimed that Bologna want £46 million to sell Calafiori, with Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior a potential option to be included as part of a swap deal.

However, reports suggest that the Poland international wants a move to a more high-profile Serie A club instead amid interest from AC Milan, Napoli and Inter Milan.

But when asked about interest in Calafiori, Bologna CEO Fenucci was not in the mood for much of a response.

He told Italian outlet CalcioMercato: "There's no news.

"Interest from Juventus? I haven't heard it, thank you."

Bologna CEO Fenucci on Riccardo Calafiori and the negotiations with Arsenal:

"There's no news. Juventus [rumours]? I haven't heard it."

📹 @GiokerMusso pic.twitter.com/m2xXuRH7zp

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) July 19, 2024

Another complex issue in the transfer is the existence of a sell-on fee, according to Football Italia.

Bologna paid £3.4 million to sign Calafiori from Basel last summer, but the deal contained a 40 per cent sell-on fee which is influencing the Italian club's asking price.

With the new Premier League season under a month away, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will not be too worried yet - but will not want the transfer to drag on until much nearer to the opening weekend so that Calafiori can get some pre-season minutes under his belt.