Micah Richards has heaped praise on one Euro 2024 star and has heard that his former side Manchester City are keen on a summer deal.
What is next for Manchester City? After their treble triumph and record-breaking four successive Premier League titles it seems they are running out of records to break.
Pep Guardiola has the difficult task of re-motivating his squad ahead of the new campaign, where they will once again be favourites to defend their title.
Something Guardiola has done brilliantly during his time at City is keeping his squad fresh and hungry for silverware and his transfer activity is central too that.
The champions make sure to keep introducing young and exciting talents into their side to fight off complacency, and Italy star Riccardo Calafiori could be their next target after shining at Euro 2024.
Manchester City interest in Riccardo Calafiori
Despite being the reigning champions of the Euros, hopes around Italy defending their title were fairly slim heading into this summer.
They have not stood out as tournament contenders but Italy’s defensive unit are certainly deserving of praise.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Richards was full of praise for the 22-year-old defender.
“Amazing. He’s the one that everyone is talking about and all the big clubs are linked with him,” He said.
“He plays his football for Bologna and I think Arsenal are interested, I’ve heard Man City are interested.
“Really good on the ball, can score goals, can defend and when I’ve been doing the games I’ve been concentrating on Bastogne but Calafiori has been equally as impressive.”
Manchester City could target Riccardo Calafiori
Pep Guardiola’s switch to playing four centre-backs across his defensive line has been – yet another – stroke of genius and it helped City stampede their way to another league title.
But if City are to continue that system they may need defensive reinforcements and none look better across Europe than Calafiori.
He appears to be the ideal modern centre-back with a sprinkling of old-fashioned Italian defending and he could be a serious problem for Premier League clubs under Guardiola’s command.
A bidding war seems inevitable for Calafiori this summer and City could yet be involved.
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