Chelsea are reportedly looking to improve their defensive unit by signing Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A club Bologna.
A report from Tuttosport has claimed that Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Riccardo Calafiori in action at UEFA Euro 2024 this summer. The Italian defender is valued at €40 million, and he could prove to be a sensational long-term acquisition for the Blues.
Chelsea have parted ways with Thiago Silva upon the expiry of his contract, and the Brazilian will have to be replaced adequately. He was the best defender at the club, and Calafiori would be the ideal long-term replacement.
The Italian international is expected to develop into a world-class player. He is capable of operating as a left-sided central defender as well as a left-back. He could be the ideal long-term signing for Chelsea if they can get the deal done. They have the financial resources to pay €40 million for him, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Calafiori could be tempted to join Chelsea
The opportunity to join a club like Chelsea will be quite attractive for the player as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to showcase his qualities in the Premier League. Competing at a higher level will help him improve further, and it could accelerate his development.
Calafiori has also been linked with other English clubs in recent weeks, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can win the race for his signature. Chelsea have had disappointing couple of seasons, and they will look to bounce back strongly. A club of their stature is expected to compete for major trophies, and signing elite young talents like Calafiori will certainly help them get back to the top of English football once again.
Meanwhile, the Blues have not been able to compete for major trophies in recent seasons. But they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them can be hard to turn down. Chelsea have a number of talented players at their disposal, and they have appointed a quality manager in Enzo Maresca. They could easily bounce strongly next year, and the 22-year-old Italian could be tempted to be a part of their project.
