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Italy Euros Star Could Find His Way To The Prem
Blogs

Italy Euros Star Could Find His Way To The Prem

03/07/24 07:42

At first glance you could mistake this man to be the lovechild of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta. Following the footsteps of the aforementioned, Riccardo Calafiori is looking like he will be the next player to make a big move after impressing in the Euros.

Who is interested in Calafiori?

Fabrizio Romano, tier one Football Park ranked source, has reported that two more Premier League teams are interested in acquiring his services. Arsenal and Chelsea join the race with Liverpool and Juventus in the race to sign the Bologna centre back.

Tier two Football Park rated source in Alfredo Pedulla has backed this up, confirming that Chelsea have proposed an important salary offer for the Italian. Chelsea looking to add to their defence after losing vastly experienced Thiago Silva on a free. Tosin Adarabioyo recently joining the team has not put off the London side from adding more defenders.

Bologna’s main concern right now is Liverpool though. A left footed centre back is exactly what the club needs. Arne Slot will be heavily reliant on his full backs, meaning Andrew Roberston will bombing up and down the wing offensively and defensively. As Calafiori is naturally left footed, it means that transitionally Liverpool will improve massively. He will be able to find Roberston a lot easier than Konate or Van Dijk because it lets Robertson to receive the ball on the run, without having to break stride or take a touch.

Gazzetta dello Sport, tier two source, have suggested that his price tag will be in the region of £34 - £42 million.

However, at the end of the day it is up to the player if he wants to move and he has said, reported by Graeme Bailey, Football Park ranked tier two source, that he is open to joining a Premier League side on one condition. That is if Juventus cannot agree a deal with Bologna. With Juventus recently hiring Calafiori’s ex manager Thiago Motta for the 24/25 season, he is keen to link up with him again at The Old Lady in Turin.

Why is everyone interested in Calafiori?

In this year’s Euros Calafiori brought the attention, repeating what he has been doing in Serie A to the international stage. Italy unfortunately were knocked out in the Round of 16 and his absence from that match was very noticeable. In the three group stage games he played, per 90 minutes he averaged 2 interceptions, 77.8% ariel duels won, 4.33 recoveries and 1.33 chances created. He even racked up an assist and SofaScore gave him an average rating of 7.17 out of 10. He was superb in his games and had some tremendous statistics to prove so after the full time whistle.

Where will Calafiori end up?

That is the million pound question. Juventus are slightly put off by his well deserved price tag, Liverpool are highly interested in him, and Chelsea have sent out an offer on a hypothetical salary. We will know by 11pm on August 30th regardless, but for now, watch this space.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Luca Testa

Lead Writer

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