Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori following his impressive performances in Serie A and at Euro 2024
Arsenal are interested in signing Italy international Riccardo Calafiori and have reportedly had a ‘monstrous proposal’ rejected.
Calafiori helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1965 after they finished fifth last season, with the 22-year-old’s performances earning him a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad.
He featured in all of Italy’s group games, but was suspended as they crashed out in the last-16 against Switzerland. Now, Corriere dello Sport are reporting that Arsenal are keen on bringing Calafiori to the Emirates.
The report states that Arsenal made a ‘monstrous’ €47million (£39.8m) offer for the defender, but Bologna rejected it as they believe Calafiori is worth more. It is also claimed that Chelsea are interested, with Bologna hoping the two clubs will enter into a bidding war.
Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori has addressed the rumours surrounding Calafiori’s future, with Juventus also linked with a move. “We only signed Calafiori 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens, but in our minds we want to keep him,” Sartori said, as per Football Italia.
“There has been talk of Juventus, but also many other clubs. If we were to receive big offers, we’d have to think about it. I don’t think he will go to Juventus, it will probably be abroad, but I repeat we will try to keep him.”
Sporting director Marco Di Vaio has also spoken out about the speculation surrounding Calafiori. “It is confirmation that Bologna is working well and doing the right things. It is not a surprise to us,” Di Vaio said.
“We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years. The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value but the intention is to keep all of our players, including Calafiori.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad this summer as they prepare to mount another Premier League title challenge, having finished second behind Manchester City for the past two seasons.
The Gunners spent around £200m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, but the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) means spending is expected to be more limited this time around
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