Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori as the summer transfer window begins to heat up.

Calafiori Expected to Depart Bologna

Italian Defender Has Become In-Demand Asset Across Europe

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal have presented a long-term project proposal to Calafiori, with the player said to be keen on a move to the Emirates. The pull of Champions League football is a big bonus for the Gunners, but Chelsea are also said to still be interested in the Bologna man, with Romano also noting that the Blues will offer a player to Bologna as part of any deal.

On June 16, Romano revealed that the 22-year-old was very keen on a move to Juventus, which would reunite him with manager Thiago Motta, who The Old Lady poached from Bologna in June following the departure of Max Allegri, but the Turin side’s interest has since gone quiet, with the English teams now the only two said to be in direct contact for the left-footer.

Calafiori’s Breakthrough Campaign

The popular Italian defender joined I Rossoblù from Basel in August 2023 and ended up becoming one of the best Serie A players last season as he helped Bologna reach the Champions League for the first time since 1964/65, making 33 appearances in all competitions.

A versatile player, Calafiori can play both at centreback and fullback, something that several top clubs look out for nowadays with formations more fluid than ever.

His first call-up to the Italy senior squad came when he was included in the preliminary squad for Euro 2024 and he was subsequently selected to the final 26-man squad. He caught the eye from the off, being one of the Azzuri’s best defenders during the group stage of the competition, also showcasing his ability to invert into midfield when required.

He missed out on the matchday squad altogether for his nation’s last 16 match with Switzerland, which Italy lost 2-0, with many believing Calafiori’s absence was a big reason for the defeat.

A scouting report from analyst Ben Mattinson has outlined why the 22-year-old is so successful, noting that his height makes him an “aerial monster” with a great aerial duel success rate.

Arsenal and Chelsea to Fight It Out

As mentioned, the Gunners’ ability to offer Champions League football will be a massive attraction for Calafiori, but Chelsea having an Italian manager and the ability to offer players in return will also be something of interest to Bologna.

Blues fans will also be happy to hear that the Italy international once confessed his desire to play for the Stamford Bridge nativeswhen he was at Roma back in 2022, saying to VoceGialloRossi: “My dream would be to play in the Premier League. I really like West Ham and Chelsea.”

Wherever he goes, he will no doubt make a massive impact, with the team who misses out on his services likely to rue the missed opportunity to bring him to their club.