Romano confirms Arsenal love Euro 2024 hero amid hijack opportunity

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Jun 2024 09:26 BST
4 min read

Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Euro 2024 standout Riccardo Calafiori, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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Already one of Europe's most intriguing centre-back prospects prior to the tournament in Germany, Calafiori has raised his profile to another level with some outstanding showings at Euro 2024.

The Italy star has been a rock at the back and he even set up his country's crucial goal against Croatia, which sent the Azzurri through to the next round and their opponents packing.

His performances at the European Championship won't come as a surprise to those familiar with the 22-year-old's game. Calafiori also impressed in the bygone campaign at Bologna, helping them achieve a historic qualification for the Champions League.

Juventus have already agreed terms with the player and for weeks it seemed inevitable that he would head to Turin. But then the Old Lady poached Bologna's coach Thiago Motta and inadvertently ruined their chances of striking an easy deal for the centre-back.

Arsenal to pounce?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bologna have now resigned themselves to the fact that they will likely lose Calafiori this summer and they are anticipating big offers from the Premier League, with Arsenal among the clubs keeping tabs on the star.

"Bologna, for the last two, three weeks, were hoping to keep the player at the club, to say 'no' to all the proposals, to have Riccardo Calafiori for Champions League football next season," Romano said on his YouTube channel.

"But the problem is now, after fantastic performances at the Euros especially against Albania and Croatia, the feeling of Bologna is that they have to look for another player in that position because they expect now Calafiori to leave the club this summer."

"Juventus are still there, Juventus still have Calafiori on their list, Juventus have the green light from the player since February, March...But at the same time, Bologna and Juventus don't have a good relationship, especially the president [Joey] Saputo, because of the Thiago Motta story."

"Meanwhile, Bologna are waiting for Premier League clubs to appear. Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the player, [they are] interested but still not in negotiations, still not making any bid or reaching out to Bologna, but keeping a close eye on the player. Let's see if other clubs will enter."

"Chelsea are still looking for a defender, left-footed and talented, and Calafiori is one of the best around. And also we know that, for example, clubs like Liverpool, with the director Richard Hughes, who was following Calafiori when he was playing for Basel and for Roma, could also be a possibility."