Bologna admit Calafiori likelier to join Arsenal than Juventus

Carlo Garganese

2 Jul 2024 01:49 CDT
3 min read

Bologna transfer chief Giovanni Sartori has revealed that Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori is more likely to move to the Premier League this summer than join Juventus.

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Calafiori is one of the most wanted players on the summer transfer market after a brilliant Euro 2024 group stage with Italy, who have since exited the tournament.

The Bologna centre back is reported to be wanted by a host of Premier League clubs - most notably Arsenal - as well as Real Madrid and Juventus.

What did Sartori say?

“We only signed Calafiori 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens, but in our minds we want to keep him,” Sartori said.

“There has been talk of Juventus, but also many other clubs. If we were to receive big offers, we’d have to think about it.

“I don’t think he will go to Juventus, it will probably be abroad, but I repeat we will try to keep him.”

It is understood that Juventus were in talks to sign Calafiori for several weeks before Euro 2024 began.

The defender has already agreed on personal terms on a contract until 2029 with wages of €2.2 million a year.

However, Calafiori shone for Italy at Euro 2024, meaning his asking price has skyrocketed.

Bologna’s asking price is now said to be at least €40 million, which could be a problem for Juventus.

Calafiori’s former club Basel will receive a 40-50% sell-on amount when the defender is sold.

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.