Juventus confirm Calafiori defeat to Arsenal

23 Jul 2024 08:30 BST
3 min read

Any chance of Juventus reentering the race to sign Riccardo Calafiori is now over after the Bianconeri went all-in on Jean-Clair Todibo.

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Calafiori had been Juve’s top defensive target for the summer and agreed personal terms with the club before Euro 2024.

However, Calafiori’s excellent performances at the Euros saw his value increase to a fee too big for Juventus.

Arsenal blew Juventus out of the water with a deal that will exceed €50 million.

Any chance of Juventus making a late attempt to hijack Arsenal are now over as the Italian club is closing in on the signing of Nice centre back Todibo.

Romeo Agresti reports that Juventus will make a new bid this week, a loan with an obligation to buy of around €35m.

Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Nice want to offload Todibo before August and are open to this offer.

This leaves the path clear for Calafiori to complete his transfer to Arsenal, with the the move potentially becoming official this week.

Calafiori in 2023-24

Calafiori was one of the breakout stars of the Serie A season in 2023-24, playing a key role in Bologna’s shock qualification for the Champions League.

A modern centre back, Calafiori has displayed all the qualities and attributes of a potentially top-class defender.

The 22-year-old presses and reads the game excellently. His use of the ball is superb and he is renowned for bringing the ball out of defence and joining in the construction of the play in midfield and beyond. He is aggressive and excellent in the air.

Calafiori was converted from a left back to a centre back by now former Bologna manager Thiago Motta - now the new Juventus boss.

The defender also enjoyed a brilliant Euro 2024 group stage, setting up Mattia Zaccagni’s memorable 98th minute equaliser for Italy against Croatia.

Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal, Juventus, Riccardo Calafiori