Arsenal star ‘questioned over prostitution ring’

An Arsenal player is reportedly being questioned in relation to an alleged prostitution ring, which police fear may involve up to 50 footballers.

Premier League star Riccardo Calafiori, 24, has reportedly been summoned as a witness by prosecutors in Milan.

It follows claims of an alleged ‘escort agency’ allegedly run by a company, which hasn’t been named, operating out of Milan.

The company is accused of hosting celebrities and footballers at events across the city linked with the agency.

Police are also understood to have spoken with Lazio midfielder Daniel Maldini, son of AC Milan legend Paolo, as well as former Bologna defender Kevin Bonifazi.

None of the three players are under formal investigation, local media reported.

The players are among the first to face questioning by prosecutor Rosaria Stagnaro and deputy prosecutor Bruna Albertini.

Around 50 sportsmen are said to be tied to the sport, including other footballers.

The investigation also names Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, 27, who is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with an underage girl.

He denies the claims against him and did not appear at the prosecutor’s office for questioning on Friday.

It is claimed the girl – who was 17 and eight months old at the time of the alleged incident – had sexual relations with Bastoni in July 2021, when he was 21, after meeting in the small town of Cinisello Balsamo.

But she also denied the charges, testifying: ‘I’m not a prostitute and I didn’t take money for sex.’

Bastoni received a blind summons to the Milan Prosecutor’s Office. Under Italian law, he didn’t have to attend, and a summons does not imply guilt.