- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori would be open to a move to the Premier League if a deal with Juventus cannot be agreed.
We have previously reported that Riccardo Calafiori, who has been compared to iconic Italian defender Franco Baresi, was closing in on a move to Juventus.
Former Bologna manager Thiago Motta, who took over the reins at Juventus, was keen on reuniting with the 21-year-old defender and a move looked likely.
However, with no deal in place, as of yet, Premier League clubs are understood to be keeping an eye on the situation and sources have told HITC that Calafiori would be open to a move to England.
Calafiori attracting Premier League interest after standout season
Calafiori was a stand-out performer for Bologna last season helping them to a brilliant fifth place finish, and he followed that up with an excellent competition for Italy at Euro 2024.
This has attracted the interest from a host of top European sides including Juventus and the Turin based side always appeared to be the frontrunners, particularly with Motta at the helm.
However, as yet, Juve have been unable to agree terms for the 22-year-old but the belief from sources close to the player, is that he will eventually end up at the Allianz Arena.
These same sources, however, have stressed that if a deal is not agreed to see Calafiori move to the Italian giants, the 21-year-old would be open to exploring different avenues of interest.
For their part, Bologna insist that they would like to keep the Italian defender at the club going into the new season.
Bologna comment on Calafiori amid Premier League interest
HITC can confirm that Chelsea have shown an interest along with West Ham United – whilst Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are aware of the player having scouted him towards the end of the season.
Another Premier League side who are looking for is a centre-back is Arne Slot’s Liverpool but sources have told HITC that the Reds are not actively pursuing a deal for the Italian at the moment.
All of these Premier League clubs are understood to have liked the Italian defender during his time at FC Basel.
Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori held a press conference in Rimini and said: “Zirkzee? He has a clause, so 99.9% he will leave. Calafiori? We acquired him 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens in the market, but in our minds, we intend to keep him.
“I think he will not end up joining Juventus. Probably he can go abroad, in case we decide to sell him. We’d like to keep Calafiori so let’s see what happens”.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
