Riccardo Calafiori is a wanted man with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and even Arsenal linked with a move to sign him.
The Italy international has been one of the best defenders at Euro 2024. He has caught many people’s eye, and it’s no surprise at all that he is being chased by a number of big clubs.
Tottenham have been linked with a move to sign Calafiori for months, while Liverpool are also said to be looking at him. Premier League runners-up Arsenal are said to be in the mix too.
However, it looks like only one English club is seriously in the race to sign the talented Italian defender in this summer’s transfer window.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has shared what he knows about the situation.
The latest on Riccardo Calafiori amid Tottenham and Liverpool links
Calafiori is almost certain to leave Bologna this summer.
The 22-year-old is at the stage of his career where he needs to step up and move to a bigger club, and Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal are all interested in his services.
Spurs, in particular, have had an eye on Calafiori since January 2024, and they have been linked with a move to sign him much more than the other clubs.
However, Italian giants Juventus are also pushing to sign Calafiori this summer, but Bologna would rather not sell the defender to the Old Lady.
That gives an advantage to the clubs in England, and Jacobs believes there’s good news for one team in particular in the race to sign the Italian – Tottenham.
That’s because the journalist says he has been told that Liverpool are actually not in the race to sign Calafiori this summer.
Jacobs said on the Last Word on Spurs podcast: “With Calafiori (and links to Spurs), I think that this one has legs. Tottenham have been keeping an eye on the player pretty much since January as well.
“Bologna are going to expect a fee of around 50 million euros. Again, if they sell Joshua Zirkzee, they might be a little bit more difficult with Calafiori.
“The good news for Spurs is that despite constant links, I’m told that Liverpool are not in the race, but Juventus are the other club that are pushing.”
There is one club Calafiori prefers over others
Calafiori will have a lot of options this summer.
The 22-year-old had a fine campaign in the Serie A in the 2023/24 season, and he has continued his form at Euro 2024 with Italy as well.
Calafiori, who has been compared to Franco Baresi, is attracting serious interest from Tottenham, but if reports are to be believed, he has absolutely no interest in joining Spurs.
The Italian has his heart set on a move to Juventus instead, who are also pushing to sign him from Bologna this summer.
It will be interesting to see where Calafiori will end up this summer. Wherever he goes, we’re convinced he will be a success.