Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Arsenal are on Riccardo Calafiori’s trail this summer. The Gunners are among several teams to express interest, but theirs is the most concrete outside of Italy.
Domestically, Juventus had been strongly linked with a move, but Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has suggested that transfer is less likely.
“We will try to keep Calafiori but if important offers arrive we will have to take them into consideration,” Sartori began.
“I don’t think he will go to Juventus, he will probably go to a different market.”
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal and Chelsea have both discussed a move for Calafiori internally, and they remain attentive to his situation.
As it stands, neither club has made an offer, but the interest is there and the race is open.
Romano wrote on Sunday that Calafiori could be one to watch now that Italy have been eliminated from Euro 2024, with Bologna expecting Premier League clubs to make their moves. Arsenal are “keeping a close eye” on developments.
Arsenal do have an existing relationship with Bologna, as the Serie A club sold them Takehiro Tomiyasu not too long ago.
Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24. He played every minute of the Euro 2024 group stage for Italy, but his two yellow cards left him suspended for their last-16 defeat to Switzerland.
As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back. He spent more time in the middle in 2023/24, but he’s spent slightly more time as a full-back in his career as a whole.