29 June 2024 , 19:30
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Bologna will encourage Premier League bids for defender Riccardo Calafiori after the European Championships.
The Italy international centre-back, who has been one of the standout talents at the tournament, is attracting interest from Arsenal and Juventus, among others.
However, after Juve poached boss Thiago Motta, Bologna are reluctant to do business with their domestic rivals and would favour selling to an English club.
Arsenal have already made an enquiry for Calafiori though their interest is likely to depend on the future of Jakub Kiwior - also wanted by Juventus and AC Milan.
Calafiori has played the majority of his football at centre-back this season, though he can also play at left-back where he previously featured for both Roma and FC Basel.
Meanwhile, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is also a known admirer of the 22-year-old, who he previously tracked during his time working upstairs at Bournemouth. Crucially, the Reds are understood to be in the market for a left-footed centre-back this summer.
Chelsea are also open to strengthening at the back, though an approach from Calafiori would likely require an exit. Levi Colwill is not for sale while offers for Benoit Badiashile could yet be considered. West Ham are also among the Italian's growing list of admirers.
Bologna, who are resigned to losing the Azzurri starlet, will demand a premium fee, likely to be upwards of £40million, as Basel are entitled to 40 per cent of any sale over £5m. Real Madrid are not thought to be interested at this stage, despite reports to the contrary.
Riccardo Calafiori has caught the eye at Euro 2024 (Getty Images)Marco Di Vaio, sporting director of Bologna, is optimistic Calafiori's displays in Germany will bolster his market value.
He said amid intense speculation: “It is confirmation that Bologna is working well and doing the right things. It is not a surprise to us. We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years. The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value but the intention is to keep all of our players, including Calafiori.”
Juventus are still the frontrunners and can be considered heavy favourites but Bologna plan to make things tricky for their counterparts, who have also lodged an enquiry for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. Personal terms between Calafiori and the Old Lady will not be a problem if Juve are able to agree a transfer fee with Bologna.
Calafiori is under contract until the summer of 2028 with Bologna so they're not under any immediate pressure to sell and a deal will only be done on their terms.
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