Chelsea are looking to acquire the services of Bologna defensive sensation Riccardo Calafiori in the upcoming transfer window.
According to a report from TuttoSport, Chelsea are interested in having Riccardo Calafiori in their squad ahead of next season. The Blues want to reinforce their defence and they feel the Bologna sensation could be an ideal signing for the London club.
Things didn’t work out for Calafiori at AS Roma despite managing to break into their first team. He made the move to FC Basel to get things going at the senior level, his impressive performances led him back to Italy as Bologna signed him last summer.
The 22-year-old centre-back has had an exceptional debut season at Bologna under the leadership of Thiago Motta. He has featured in 33 matches and has even contributed towards six goals. The Italian defender has even been used as a left-back at times.
While he arrived at the club last summer and still has over three years left on his deal, Calafiori could be on the move in the upcoming transfer window. Bologna do not really want to negotiate his departure this early but given the amount of interest in him, they can’t really do much.
Bologna ready to sell amidst Juventus’ interest
Swiss club FC Basel have a 40% sell-on clause in the 22-year-old contract, as a result, the Italian club will hope for a bidding war for his signature. According to the report, €22 million could be enough to prise the young sensation away from Bologna.
Juventus are the ones that seem to leading the race at this stage as Calafiori wants to continue his development in Italy and with head coach Thiago Motta joining the Old Lady, he wants to follow him on his way out. The Italian giants are keen on his services but they fear the involvement of Chelsea.
Chelsea push hard for Calafiori’s signature
The Blues have been linked with the Italian defensive sensation and they can surely meet the demands of Bologna. As a result, Juventus do have a lot to worry about. Enzo Maresca who is all set to take charge of the London club is a huge admirer of the young defender.
He is a fan of Calafiori’s tactical and technical abilities and wants him at his disposal. While Chelsea are all set to make a move, the Italian centre-back is ready to turn down their approach as he has already decided his next step. However, the Blues could look to convince him as they consider him to be an ideal long-term replacement for Thiago Silva who is leaving the club.