Arsenal lead race for impressive Euro 2024 22yo | OneFootball

Arsenal have the most concrete interest in Riccardo Calafiori, with Bologna’s technical director suggesting a Juventus move is unlikely.

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Salernitana at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 01, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Arsenal are on Riccardo Calafiori’s trail this summer. The Gunners are among several teams to express interest, but theirs is the most concrete outside of Italy.

Domestically, Juventus had been strongly linked with a move, but Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has suggested that transfer is less likely.

“We will try to keep Calafiori but if important offers arrive we will have to take them into consideration,” Sartori began.

“I don’t think he will go to Juventus, he will probably go to a different market.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC celebrates after the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 03, 2024. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal and Chelsea have both discussed a move for Calafiori internally, and they remain attentive to his situation.

As it stands, neither club has made an offer, but the interest is there and the race is open.

Romano wrote on Sunday that Calafiori could be one to watch now that Italy have been eliminated from Euro 2024, with Bologna expecting Premier League clubs to make their moves. Arsenal are “keeping a close eye” on developments.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at the training ground at Hemberg-Stadion on June 23, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Arsenal do have an existing relationship with Bologna, as the Serie A club sold them Takehiro Tomiyasu not too long ago.

Left-footed defender Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023/24. He played every minute of the Euro 2024 group stage for Italy, but his two yellow cards left him suspended for their last-16 defeat to Switzerland.

As well as centre-back, the 22-year-old can also play at left-back. He spent more time in the middle in 2023/24, but he’s spent slightly more time as a full-back in his career as a whole.