Arsenal and Chelsea learn 'hefty' price of Euros 2024 star as 'enquiry' made

Arsenal and Chelsea have learnt the price required if they wish to sign Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori this summer, according to The Express. The Italian centre-back has been attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs recently following impressive displays for the Serie A club which were then followed up by further imposing performances in the European Championships.

Both the Gunners and the Blues have since been reportedly showing interest in the 22-year-old with Juventus also keen to poach another Bologna man. However with Bologna still reeling from Juve’s poaching of their head coach Thiago Motta, it is reported that the Italian side would much prefer to sell Calafiori to an English side.

Arsenal are one such key contender but their pursuit of the former Basel man may depend on the future of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, who has also reported to be on Juventus and AC Milan’s radar.

The Blues are also hopeful of boosting their defensive options, having already signed Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a free transfer at the start of the window. However, bringing Calafiori in would undoubtedly mean a current Blues star would need to leave and while Levi Colwill is not on the market, Todd Boehly could well entertain offers for Benoit Badiashile.

Whoever does put their cards on the table, however, will have to cough up at least £40 million. Bologna have resigned themselves to losing the centre-back - who has also played significant minutes at left-back - but they will not be letting him go cheaply with reports suggesting any offers should be expected to exceed £40m with the Italian’s former club Basel entitled to 40% of any sale over £5m.

Aware that his departure from the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium is imminent, Bologna’s Sporting Director is hopeful that Calafiori’s recent displays in Germany will serve to increase his market value. As reported by the Express, Marco Di Vaio said: “It is confirmation that Bologna is working well and doing the right things. It is not a surprise to us.

“We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years. The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value but the intention is to keep all of our players, including Calafiori.”