Arsenal’s move for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is stalling because of Jakub Kiwior’s reluctance to move in the other direction, according to the Times.
The Gunners want to use their 24-year-old defender as a makeweight in the deal for the Italian international.
However, Kiwior wants to wait for a concrete approach from one of the bigger Italian top-flight clubs, including AC Milan, who have regularly shown interest in bringing him back to Serie A.
Bologna want around £46 million for Calafiori, but Arsenal have only offered £37m plus Kiwior.
The former Spezia star wants to join a bigger club, even though Bologna are offering Champions League football next term after finishing fifth in Serie A last season.
Kiwior made 30 appearances across all competitions last term, featuring at left-back and centre-back, but Arsenal see Calafiori as an upgrade.
He wants to move to the London club but he is currently in limbo as he prepares to return to pre-season training this weekend.
Bologna appear to have already moved on and they have separately opened talks with Juventus for Daniele Rugani, and Arsenal may need to pay up if they want to sign Calafiori.
The left-footed centre-back can also play several roles, but he brings more attacking qualities to the table and is expected to force his way into Arsenal’s starting XI.
The Gunners will tour the United States next week for friendlies against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Manchester United.
They will be joined by players who featured in the latter stages of the European Championship and Copa America afterwards.
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