Arsenal offered the chance to sign Italian Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori

LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates after Mattia Zaccagni of Italy (not pictured) scored his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Football Stadium on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC) — LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy celebrates after Mattia Zaccagni of Italy (not pictured) scored his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Football Stadium on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Calafiori, a 22-year-old left-footed defender, has attracted the attention of several big clubs with his impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024, although he was absent in their defeat to Switzerland as he served a yellow card.

Bologna welcome encouraging offers from Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea for defender Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian centre-back, who impressed at Euro 2024, is also wanted by Serie A giants Juventus. However, after Juve poached boss Thiago Motta, Bologna are reluctant to do business with their domestic rivals and would prefer to sell to a Premier League club. Arsenal have already made a request for Calafiori (above), although that interest is likely to depend on the future of their defender Jakub Kiwior - also wanted by Juve and AC Milan. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes followed Calafiori, 22 and formerly of Roma and Basel, in his previous role at Bournemouth. Chelsea remain in the market for a left-footed centre-back and Calafiori can also play at left-back - another position they want to strengthen. Bologna will demand an additional fee, which could amount to more than £40m, as Basel are entitled to 40% of any sale over £5m. Article Name: Premier League giants offered Calafiori Publication: Sunday Mirror Author: BY RYAN TAYLOR Start Page: 72 End Page: 72 — Premier League giants offered Calafiori – Sunday Mirror 30 June 2024

Bologna, eager to capitalise on his growing potential, are ready to sell him this summer.

While Juventus were initially leading the negotiations for Calafiori, the recent appointment of former Bologna manager Thiago Motta has apparently complicated the negotiations. Bologna are reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival and are said to favour a sale to a Premier League club.

Arsenal have already expressed an interest in Calafiori, conducting an enquiry to assess the feasibility of a deal. However, their pursuit could hinge on the future of their own defender, Jakub Kiwior, who is also attracting interest from Juventus and AC Milan.

The Gunners face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea, who are both looking to bolster their defensive options. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes previously tracked Calafiori during his time at Bournemouth, while Chelsea are looking for a left-footed centre-back who can also play at left-back.

Bologna are expected to demand a hefty fee for Calafiori, likely in excess of £40m, as Basel are entitled to 40% of any sale over £5m due to a sell-on clause.

Arsenal’s financial strength could give them an advantage over Juventus, who have already made a significant investment in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz this summer. Additionally, Arsenal’s existing relationship with Bologna, having already signed Takehiro Tomiyasu from the club, could also prove beneficial.

However, Juventus have reportedly already secured Calafiori’s approval for a transfer, leaving Arsenal with the task of convincing the player to choose the Premier League over staying in Italy, which often proves an impossible task.

The transfer saga surrounding Calafiori is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, with Arsenal facing stiff competition for his signature if they decide to make an official move. The outcome will depend on various factors, including player preference, the financial terms offered by interested clubs and Bologna’s willingness to negotiate.