Riccardo Calafiori has attracted attention from Arsenal and Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal this summer but could yet receive a rival proposal from Chelsea, according to reports.
Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024 despite reigning champions Italy’s deflating last-16 exit at the hands of Switzerland.
The 22-year-old was named in Luciano Spalletti’s Euros squad following a brilliant season for Bologna, who he made 33 appearances for and helped qualify for the Champions League.
Arsenal have identified Calafiori as a key target this summer, reportedly approaching Serie A side Bologna with a proposal worth £40m.
Fabrizio Romano also claims the Premier League runners-up have contacted Calafiori to present the defender with a long-term proposal as they try to lure him to north London.
Calafiori is said to be ‘open’ to joining the Gunners, who finished two points behind Premier League champions Manchester City last season, but could yet be approached by Chelsea.
The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-back following Thiago Silva’s departure from Stamford Bridge and could make a player-plus-cash offer to Bologna.
The Gunners appear to be leading the transfer race (Picture: Getty)
But Arsenal appear to be leading the transfer race, with Mikel Arteta sanctioning the Calafiori pursuit and keen to link up with the defender at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking earlier in the week, Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori said the club intend to keep hold of Calafiori while admitting their stance could change if they receive an ‘important offer’.
‘We took him 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens in the market, but in our heads there is the will to keep him,’ Sartori said.
‘We will try to keep him, but if important offers arrive, we will have to take them into consideration. I don’t think he will go to Juventus, he will probably go to a different market.’
Arsenal have endured a subdued start to the summer transfer window and are yet to welcome any new players to the Emirates.
But David Raya’s loan move from Brentford will soon be turned into a permanent transfer, while the Gunners remain keen on signing a new striker after missing out on Benjamin Sesko.
Chelsea, who may yet win the race to sign Calafiori, have made four signings so far this summer, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City.
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