Chelsea have now made contact to sign a defender likened to John Stones – somebody Enzo Maresca is said to be a huge admirer of.
The Blues are already on their fourth manager under Todd Boehly’s guidance – five if you count Frank Lampard’s interim stint – with a deal to hire the Italian as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement nearing completion.
Now – as Chelsea prepare to announce Enzo Maresca – steps are already being taken to deliver a new defender for the man from Pontecagnano Faiano…
Chelsea make contact to sign Riccardo Calafiori
A story from Tuttosport in Italy now claims that Chelsea have made contact to sign Bologna No.33 Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian enjoyed a tremendous 2023/24 campaign as Bologna qualified for the UEFA Champions League, scoring two goals while also providing five assists in 30 Serie A appearances.
Now, Chelsea are keen to bring Calafiori to west London.
Tuttosport believe Chelsea have enquired about the 22-year-old, and Bologna are fearful that a €22m (£19m) bid could soon be made by the Blues.
The Italian news outlet add that Maresca likes Calafiori very much, and believes the man from Rome would be a perfect fit for his philosophy at Stamford Bridge.
As aforesaid, Calafiori has been compared to Manchester City No.5 and England international Stones by Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian news outlet said that Thiago Motta has transformed the Chelsea target “into a John Stones” – after developing him into a ball playing defender, who is also comfortable in a central midfield role.
Blues will have to be persuasive
By the sounds of it, Chelsea will have to work hard to convince Calafiori.
Tuttosport believe the Roman is ready to reject Chelsea, while Bologna themselves need to demand a fee much higher than £19m – as 40% of any sale must go to FC Basel.
The reasons for Calafiori’s stance are not made clear, although we can only assume the fact Bologna have UEFA Champions League football next season – whereas Chelsea must settle for the UEFA Conference League – is a factor.
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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Maresca attempts to bring his fellow countryman to Chelsea.