Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Riccardo Calafiori, Brian Brobbey and more

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Arsenal look to be on the verge of signing highly touted Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori amid talks of a reported fee worth up to £40m. “We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years.” Arsenal signed Dutch left-back Jurrien Timber at the beginning of last season but were unable to use the talented defender after he suffered an ACL injury. open image in gallery Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Brian Brobbey of Ajax in action Manager Mikel Arteta opted to fill the void by placing Japanese right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu on the opposite side of the pitch, often selecting him over Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 24-year-old became a consistent feature on the left side of Arsenal’s defence last season, with his height and athleticism offering some additional security against deliveries into the box.