As the start of pre-season is edging ever closer, now only a couple of weeks away, the transfer rumours have been hotting up for Arsenal.

Naturally, as players drop out of international competitions, deals become easier and moves can be made faster.

And it looks like Arsenal’s current main target is Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna.

Reportedly, personal terms have been agreed and now it’s between the two clubs to work out a deal, which is rumoured to be north of £40 million.

Bologna and Arsenal have a decent relationship after the Takehiro Tomiyasu deal back in 2021.

Calafiori was one of Italy’s standout players at the European Championships, notably bursting out of defence into midfield to assist their 98th-minute equaliser against Croatia in the group stage.

The left-back position was heavily rotated last season and Arteta may be looking for some stability there in Calafiori, who could also cover at centre-back behind Gabriel, especially if Jakub Kiwior were to depart.

Jurrien Timber and Tomiyasu are also expected to go into the season fit, giving the Gunners great depth at the back.

It was also reported this week that Arsenal approached Wolves for goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Regardless of the fee or if the deal actually happens, it indicates that Aaron Ramsdale should be off, and Arsenal are on the hunt for a replacement.

Bentley himself would be a solid deal, bringing in a keeper with Premier League experience and homegrown status, which counts towards registration rules, for what would presumably be a minimal fee.

Meanwhile, rumours of central midfielders and wingers continue to rumble on, both positions of need based on last season.

However, as always, there will be a limit to the incoming business that Arsenal are looking to do until other players are offloaded.

Loan players like Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares are still on the books, all while the Gunners are looking to bring in a new left-back, youth players are also returning and looking to step up, while out-of-favour players still remain at the club on high wages.

With the European Championships and Copa America coming to a close soon, Mikel Arteta and Edu will have a lot of work to do before the season starts in earnest.