Defending champions Italy had a very underwhelming Euros performances this time. They got knocked out by Switzerland in the RO16. However, amidst this, there was a star performer who stole the spotlight, the Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Bologna defender is now in the limelight with his performance and is now on the transfer radar of many European giants. Seria A rivals Juventus were interested in the player but in a surprise turn of events, Arsenal and Chelsea are also ready to take a part in this race to sign the Italian.
Premier League teams Interested in Riccardo Calafiori
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano update that Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping a very close eye on the Calafiori situation. Although none of them has actually stepped up with any formal offer or a bid, they both are keeping an eye and observing the situation. The 21-year-old center back showed extreme potential in the Euros, making him an ideal player for any club looking forward to upgrading their defense.
Surprisingly, even after in dire need of a defensive recruitment, Liverpool have shown interest to sign the Italian defender. With Joel Matip leaving after his contract expiration, there is a void now in the defensive department for Liverpool. Questions are being raised regarding the defensive partner for Virgil Van Dijk. Calafiori’s left side prowess and ability makes him an ideal partner for Van Dijk and it is shocking that why Liverpool are not going in for the defender.
Bologna’s Stance and Comments
Bologna has also been clear on the player sales. They are open to selling the player, but a move abroad is more likely they are letting him go their rival team. The club’s technical director also had his say on this. “I don’t think he will end up at Juventus… He can go abroad if we end up selling him”. Even though Bologna would love to keep a player of this quality, it is tough to decline the offer from European giants and the financial lucrative offer that comes with it.
The Rise of Riccardo Calafiori
Not only for Italy, but Calafiori’s rise for Bologna has been exceptional. His performances in the Euros just brought him in the highlight and also declared him as one of the most exciting Italian prospects right now. With the skill set, mixed with the game intelligence and the physicality, Calafiori seems well ideal to handle the premier league’s pressure.
Arsenal and Chelsea both have identified the need of some defensive recruitments to boost their defense Arsenal have developed tremendously under Mikel Arteta, but they still need the squad depth to contest at the top. Calafiori is the ideal option for Arsenal and will provide with Mikel Arteta a versatile and a quality option at the back.
For Chelsea on the other hand, they are under a rebuilding stage with another new manager. The Blues has struggled for a few season now and their approach of relying on young players seems to be ideal for the Calafiori signing.
For Liverpool, the situation might be a little complex. They surely have bene linked with numerous defensive players but not going after Calafiori just seem strange. Richard Hughes and the recruitment team must weigh the benefits of pursuing a natural right-sided centre-back against the potential of acquiring a top left-sided defender like Calafiori. His ability to play alongside van Dijk could offer the Reds a balanced and formidable defensive partnership.
Conclusion
Riccardo Calafiori’s future would surely be one of the topics of this summer transfer window. Interest fro big clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea clearly highlights his rapid growth and the quality he can bring to any team in the footballing world. Also, Bologna’s stance on selling him and Liverpool’s need for a defensive player adds another interesting layer to this saga.
Calafiori’s next move could actually define his career as a player and also change the defensive outlook of the team he joins. Whether he joins Premier league or end up staying at Serie A only, he will have the attention of fans on him after his exceptional performance. For Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, the decision to pursue or pass on Calafiori could be pivotal in their respective quests for domestic and European success.
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