According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Blues contacted Bologna while Arsenal representatives were negotiating a potential deal for the Italian defender. The revelation highlights how closely the two clubs have competed for prominent players in recent transfer windows.

Chelsea and Arsenal have previously gone head-to-head over several targets. More recently, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was reportedly interested in Morgan Rogers, but the Gunners withdrew from the race after Aston Villa demanded £117 million, allowing Chelsea to secure the player instead.

The rivalry also featured prominently in January 2023, when Chelsea beat Arsenal to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk after Shakhtar Donetsk rejected several offers from the north London club. However, Arsenal’s failure to land the Ukrainian winger has arguably worked in their favour.

Details of Chelsea’s attempt to sign Calafiori reportedly appear in journalist Sam Dean’s book, Arsenal: The Inside Story of Arsenal’s Rebirth Under Mikel Arteta. The account explains how Arsenal pursued the defender after identifying him during his time at Bologna.

Arsenal had reportedly decided to pursue Calafiori regardless of his performances at Euro 2024. His displays for Italy during the tournament subsequently attracted interest from several major European clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, increasing the competition for his signature.

Chelsea’s intervention came while Arsenal were discussing the proposed transfer with Bologna. Nevertheless, financial restrictions complicated Arsenal’s efforts to complete the deal before the European Championship.

Former assistant sporting director Jason Ayto explained that the club needed to sell players before bringing in additional recruits.

“It had to be one in, one out,” Ayto revealed, describing Arsenal’s financial situation at the time.

The departure of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham helped create room for Calafiori’s arrival, while Eddie Nketiah’s exit contributed towards the club’s plans for another midfield signing.

Arsenal eventually secured the Italian defender for approximately £42 million, and he has since established himself as an important member of Arteta’s squad. His defensive reliability, attacking contributions and ability to support forward movements have strengthened the team’s options at left-back.

Chelsea’s reported attempt to intervene ultimately failed to prevent Arsenal from completing the signing. Calafiori’s subsequent performances have helped justify the club’s investment, reinforcing the importance of securing key targets in a competitive transfer market.

Dean’s book also reportedly reveals that Arteta came close to managing Newcastle United before eventually taking charge at Arsenal, offering further insight into the circumstances surrounding the manager’s appointment at the Emirates Stadium.