London giants Chelsea have reportedly made an attractive contract offer to 22-year-old Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, a target for Arsenal.
According to reputed Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Riccardo Calafiori is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Bologna defender is also a target for Arsenal heading into the summer transfer window. However, the Blues have made an attractive offer to the 22-year-old centre-back.
The Riccardo Calafiori tale
Riccardo Calafiori has seen his fortunes change for the better since returning to Italy last summer. The youngster’s exploits have brought him on the radar of several high-profile clubs across Europe. In addition, his progress has helped him establish a foothold in his national team.
The 22-year-old has turned out 33 times thus far for Bologna, chipping in with two goals and five assists. Calafiori made his senior bow for Italy last month and was a regular for the Azzurri at UEFA Euro 2024. Meanwhile, the player’s performances have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
Premier League move on the horizon?
A move to the Premier League might be on the cards, with many English bigwigs setting their sights on the Italian international. London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, in particular, are vying for Riccardo Calafiori’s services, with one club already making an offer to the young defender.
Arsenal’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori is understandable. The Gunners are keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Jakub Kiwior. So, the Bologna defender has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal, with the North London club recently expressing an interest in signing him.
As for Chelsea, the Blues have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, while Thiago Silva has left Chelsea as a free agent. The West London giants have now submitted an attractive package to the 22-year-old centre-back.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea’s offer convinces Calafiori to move to England in the summer transfer window. However, Arsenal might have something to say about Chelsea’s latest move to land the Italian international.
