West Ham United are said to be eyeing a stunning summer transfer for Bologna ace Riccardo Calafiori.
The 22-year-old Italian is firmly on the West Ham radar it seems after lighting up Euro 2024 out in Germany with Italy.
Julen Lopetegui is prioritising the addition of a new central defender this summer, after the Hammers conceded 74 Premier League goals last term.
Kurt Zouma is not reliable enough physically anymore, whilst Nayef Aguerd quite simply isn’t suited to Premier League football.
The likes of Max Kilman, Trevoh Chalobah and Nehuen Perez are all being linked with summer moves to the London Stadium.
However, Calafiori is the best of the lot by a long way as far as I’m concerned.
And the Italian central defensive star could now be West Ham bound this summer it seems…
Riccardo Calafiori linked with West Ham move
The Bologna central defender is a truly sensational young talent.
He is an archetypical Italian defender, and in some ways is a throwback to days gone by.
Now he may well be given the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage in world football – the Premier League.
According to a report from The Guardian, Calafiori is firmly on the Hammers’ transfer radar this summer.
Lopetegui is keen to sign the Italian defender this summer, and after Steinberg’s claim it seems like he’s definitely someone we could be targeting.
Calafiori spoke back in 2022 about his admiration for West Ham United, and suggested that a move to the Premier League was his dream.
Not only is he a superb defender, but he’s clearly a big fan of the Hammers as well, and is available at a ridiculously good price this summer – just £34 million by all accounts (Calcio Mercato).
Calafiori has been sensational for Italy out in Germany during their Euro 2024 campaign, and he possesses all of the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League, what with his tenacious tackling and aggressive playing style.
Top pundit Micah Richards described the Italian star as ‘amazing’ (Metro).
If you need any evidence of just how good he is, look how porous Italy’s defence looked without him in their last 16 Euros clash with Switzerland.
If Lopetegui manages to bring Riccardo Calafiori to West Ham this summer, he would be an unbelievable signing for the club.
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