Breaking News: Riccardo Calafiori has officially joined Chelsea, with the deal now fully completed.
Chelsea FC has taken a decisive step to bolster their defense by making a formal bid for Bologna’s highly-regarded defender, Riccardo Calafiori. The London club is prepared to offer a player-plus-cash deal to convince Bologna to part with the 22-year-old Italian center-back.
Calafiori has made a notable impact in Serie A, drawing interest from major European clubs such as Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Liverpool. Bologna has set his value at €50 million (£42.3 million), and Chelsea is actively negotiating to meet this price. Notably, Basel, Calafiori’s former club, is entitled to 40% of any future sale amount exceeding €6 million (£5.1 million).
Arsenal has also put forward a long-term proposal to Calafiori, who is considering joining the Gunners due to their established relationship with Bologna. However, Chelsea’s offer might surpass that of Arsenal, as the Blues are determined to strengthen their defense under new manager Enzo Maresca. The competition for Calafiori’s signature is intensifying, with several top clubs in the fray.