Arsenal sign Calafiori from Bologna as Smith-Rowe exits

Arsenal have completed the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna as midfielder Emile Smith Rowe looks set to depart for Fulham.

The 22-year-old Italian international Calafiori, who can play at centre-back or left-back, has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners until 2029.

Calafiori becomes Arsenal's second major summer acquisition after David Raya's loan move from Brentford was made permanent. 

"We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

"He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive." 

While Calafiori has come in, England international Smith Rowe looks let to leave for Fulham. 

The 24-year-old has struggled to break into the first-team with a number of injuries also hampering his progress and the England international will have a medical at Fulham after a deal was struck between the two London clubs.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's arch-north London rivals Tottenham have allowed Bryan Gil to leave the club and join Girona on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Gil was left out of Spurs' squad for their current pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea to explore transfer opportunities, which has resulted in his move to the Spanish LaLiga outfit.

Spanish attacker Gil has struggled for regular opportunities at Tottenham since his 2021 move from Sevilla, making 43 appearances in total for the Premier League club and only 12 last season.

The 23-year-old turned down loan interest from Feyenoord and Brighton in January despite previous temporary spells at Valencia and Sevilla, but has accepted his game-time will again be limited at Spurs in the upcoming campaign.