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Arsenal push for Riccardo Calafiori transfer as contact made over Dan Bentley return

Arsenal have expressed an interest in Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley, as they continue talks over a deal for Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners are looking at back-up options for No1 David Raya - signed on a permanent £27million deal last week - in case deputy Aaron Ramsdale leaves this summer.

Ramsdale is expected to depart Arsenal if a suitable offer comes in and 30-year-old Bentley has been identified as a possible target.

Bentley actually began his youth career at Arsenal, spending seven years with the club before being released in 2008, and knows goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana from their time together at Brentford.

Future Gunners? Arsenal are trying to sign both Riccardo Calafiori and Dan Bentley (Getty Images)
Future Gunners? Arsenal are trying to sign both Riccardo Calafiori and Dan Bentley (Getty Images)

Wolves would only be open to selling him if an acceptable offer is made that allows the money to be reinvested in their squad.

As reported by Standard Sport in May, Arsenal would like to sign a home-grown goalkeeper if Ramsdale leaves this summer.

Arsenal are also looking to bring in a left-sided defender and have identified Calafiori as a top target.

The Gunners are in talks with Bologna over a deal for the 22-year-old, who shone for Italy at Euro 2024.

Bologna are said to want over £40m for Calafiori, who can play at centre-back or left-back.

Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori said last week that the club wanted to keep Calafiori, but admitted they would consider serious offers.

“There is talk of Juventus but also of many other teams,” said Sartori.

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“At this moment we will try to keep him. If important requests were to arrive we will have to think about it.

“I am not saying that we will sell him because the president [Joey Saputo] has said that he wants to keep the whole team, but we will certainly make some evaluations.

“I do not think he will go to Juventus, maybe to a different market, but I repeat that we would like to try to keep him.”