Arsenal will reportedly compete with Tottenham Hotspur to sign 22-year-old Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tuttosport, Riccardo Calafiori is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are considering the Italian international as a potential replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who faces an uncertain future at the Emirates heading into the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Bologna defender is also a target for Tottenham.
The rise and rise of Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori has seen his stock soar after a superb debut season upon returning to Italy. A native of Rome, the youngster graduated from the youth division at AS Roma but could not establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Stadio Olimpico. He finally found a stable footing in Switzerland, spending a year at FC Basel.
The player’s exploits for FC Basel alerted many Serie A outfits before Bologna secured his services. The 22-year-old was a mainstay at the back for the Rossoblu, turning out 37 times while chipping in with two goals and five assists. Calafiori’s progress at the club has helped him break into his national side.
The Italian international made his bow for the Azzurri ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 and has turned out thrice for his national team at the tournament. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori is understandable. The Gunners are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Jakub Kiwior. The left-footed Calafiori is thus a viable target for Arsenal.
As for Tottenham, they are keen on signing a left-footed centre-back in the summer transfer window to compete with Micky van de Ven. In addition, Eric Dier faces an uncertain future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Calafiori is thus an option worth considering for the North London club.
However, recent reports have claimed that the 22-year-old Italian international wants to stay in Italy beyond the summer transfer window, with Juventus in the pole position to secure his services. But it will be interesting to see if Arsenal and Tottenham can turn the youngster’s head.
