Manchester United are reportedly open to paying €60 million to sign Italian international defender and Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United may have switched their attention towards Riccardo Calafiori and are reportedly willing to pay €60 million for the Italian international defender. The Bologna star has come in for high demand, with several clubs, including English and Italian, keen on his signature.
Manchester United keen on Riccardo Calafiori
Manchester United have been looking for a particular style of defender this summer, with someone who can marshall the left-hand side of central defence. Jarrad Branthwaite has been their main target, but his massive price tag and Everton’s confidence in keeping him may have forced the Red Devils to look elsewhere.
Surprisingly, Riccardo Calafiori has now emerged as a big target for the Red Devils, with the report suggesting Manchester United are reportedly willing to shell out €60 million for his signature. The Italian international defender has seen a massive rise in demand for his signature owing to the performances he put in for Bologna in the past season.
He has now become Italy’s starting defender, as Luciano Spalletti has placed two left-footers in the heart of his backline, which is rather unusual. In any case, Manchester United might be willing to put in the right money to tempt Bologna, who were understandably demanding around €40 million for the defender.
Manchester United might have some eyeballs when chasing a known player, but in Calafiori’s or any Italian’s case, they are always difficult to get. As a matter of fact, Calafiori seems to want a stay in Italy, as Juventus are considered the hot favourites for his signature, as the defender could follow former Bologna manager Thiago Motta into Turin.
Tottenham are also chasing Calafiori alongside Juventus
For a long time, only Tottenham have shown proper interest from an English side in signing the Italian defender. Ange Postecoiglou desperately needs a player similar to Calafiori’s profile, although, with the growing demand for the Bologna star, the Spurs will find it difficult to sign him going forward.
Juventus might be seen as the front-runner for his signature, but they are far from meeting Bologna’s asking price. Spurs can theoretically offer good money, and Manchester United could beat all competition with €60 million, as Bologna is maximising their opportunity, for they have to pay 50% of all sale proceeds to former side FC Basel.
