According to the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), three other Premier League sides apart from Tottenham Hotspur are now plotting a move for Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.
Riccardo Calafiori race heats up
Now that Italy have been knocked out of the Euros, one would expect the talks over Calafiori’s future to gather pace and Gazzetta now bring the latest on the transfer saga.
The report says that on the back of the youngsters’ impressive showing in Germany, Bologna’s asking price has now gone up to €40m (£33.8m).
The outlet suggests that the Italian side would be happy to keep hold of the central defender if that asking price is not met.
Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool all interested
Tottenham and Arsenal, who were previously credited with an interest in Calafiori, have now allegedly been joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for the player.
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The publication adds that Juventus are not in a position to meet Bologna’s asking price, which is why the 22-year-old is likely to head to the Premier League if he leaves the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium this summer.
Among the four English clubs mentioned, Tottenham are singled out, with the report explaining that Ange Posetecoglou’s men have been sniffing around the Italy international since January.
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While £35m might be a steep fee to pay for a fourth-choice centre-back, the fact that Calafiori can also operate at left-back may make the deal worth doing for Spurs.
Signing the Italian may also allow the Lilywhites to potentially cash in on Ben Davies.