Transfer: Arsenal face major hurdle landing Euro 2024 star

Arsenal has reportedly submitted a massive offer for Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has attracted attention after his impressive performances at Euro 2024. The Gunners are not alone in their pursuit, as Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on the 22-year-old, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents.

The quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championships kick off this weekend, with Spain facing hosts Germany and Portugal playing France on Friday. Italy, the defending champions from Euro 2020, failed to advance past the round of 16, losing 2-0 to Switzerland. Despite this early exit, Calafiori’s standout displays have not gone unnoticed.

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Calafiori, who plays for Bologna in Serie A, enjoyed a breakout season, making 30 appearances and helping his club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years. His performances earned him a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, where he started in matches against Albania and Croatia before missing the Switzerland game due to suspension.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Calafiori, noting that negotiations could intensify in the coming days.

Romano stated:

“Arsenal and Chelsea are the two clubs interested in Calafiori, though we’re waiting for a bid and for formal steps. They’re still waiting to understand the player’s preference and also how much is needed for Bologna; the price tag is not clear yet.”

However, reports from Italy, via Football365, suggest that Arsenal has made a bold move, submitting a ‘monstrous proposal’ of €47m for the star defender. This significant bid underscores Arsenal’s determination to secure Calafiori’s services amid competition from other top clubs.

Liverpool has also entered the fray, seeing Calafiori as a valuable addition to their defensive lineup. With their recent defensive struggles, the Reds are eager to bolster their squad and view the young Italian as an ideal fit.

Despite the swirling rumors, Arsenal journalist Charles Watts remains skeptical about the likelihood of a deal being completed.

In his Caught Offside column, Watts wrote:

“The current links with Riccardo Calafiori remind me of Arsenal’s interest in Manuel Locatelli a few years ago. While the interest was there, it never really went any further than that, and that’s how I see things with Calafiori right now.

“Arsenal knows that there is widespread interest in him from other clubs, both in Italy and in the Premier League. So, it will not be an easy deal to get done should Bologna agree to let him go.”