Arsenal paying £20m over the odds to sign player who equalled Vinicius Junior in 2023-24

07/04/2024 02:00 PM

Arsenal are set to sign a player who matched one of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior’s achievements last season – but they are paying over the odds to do so.

Most supporters agree that manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu do not need to sanction wholesale changes this summer.

Instead, they will likely be looking for a handful of choice additions that can take them to the next level after narrowly missing out to Man City for the Premier League title two seasons running.

It appears that the North Londoners are eyeing additions at left-back and midfield, as well as arguably their main priority, a centre-forward.

Centre-back was one of their strongest departments last term, with William Saliba and Gabriel both having excellent campaigns.

But it looks as though the Gunners will make another central defender their very first signing of 2024-25 before focusing their firepower elsewhere.

Financial details emerge as Arsenal set to sign Riccardo Calafori

Arsenal are poised to sign 22-year-old Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in a deal worth £42m, beating off competition from the likes of Juventus.

However, data from football finance experts Football Benchmark suggests that the Italy international’s market value is actually around £23.5m.

That means, if the study is to be believed, that Arsenal are overpaying by almost £20m to obtain his signature.

The Football Benchmark study uses a number of metrics to inform its valuation, including contract length, statistical performance and market trends.

Those same metrics also found that, despite his valuation being lower than Arsenal’s reported fee, Calafiori is also among the most improved players in world football over the last season.

His value has shot up by £13.5m, which is exactly the same increase as Vinicius Junior, the Champions League winner in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

• READ MORE ARSENAL FINANCE NEWS: Arsenal proved spot-on as £200m off-pitch deal officially triggered

How close are Arsenal to signing Calafiori?

It is believed that things are developing quickly in Arsenal’s pursuit of Calafiori.

However, reports suggest that there is no formal agreement between the two clubs at this stage.

The Gunners could have as much as £204m to spend this summer, although that figure might also depend on a number of potential outgoings.