Arsenal have offered themselves the chance to sign Italy 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)

Calafiori, a 22-year-old left-footed defender, has caught the attention of several top 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.

Premier League giants offered Calafiori – Sunday Mirror June 30, 2024

Bologna, eager to capitalise on the rise in its shares, is ready to sell it this summer.

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

Arsenal have already expressed an interest in Calafiori, investigating 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 strengthen their defensive options. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has already 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 command a hefty fee for Calafiori, likely exceeding £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 move, leaving Arsenal with the task of convincing the player to choose the Premier League rather than remain in Italy, which often proves an impossible task.

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