Chelsea are reportedly planning to make an ambitious swoop to sign Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori, as per Caught Offside.
After being impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances for Bologna, the Gunners decided to sign him a couple of years ago to reinforce the left side of the defence.
However, he has struggled with fitness problems in recent years. The Italian started as the first-choice left-back option this season but has fallen in the pecking order in recent months due to injuries.
He played only 29 matches across all competitions last term and has already featured in as many games this season, with 22 coming as a starter.
Calafiori has made four goal contributions in all competitions this campaign and has helped his side keep four clean sheets. Moreover, he has been helping the Gunners to mount a treble charge.
Now, Caught Offside claim that Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Calafiori as they initially wanted to sign him from Bologna before Arsenal won the race.
Despite missing out on securing his service previously, Chelsea are still showing ‘genuine’ interest in the Italian and could make a concrete approach in the summer.
Calafiori to Chelsea
However, finalising the operation won’t be easy as Arsenal have no intention of selling their star man to direct rivals. On the other hand, Calafiori’s priority is to return to Italy if he were to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Inter Milan are keen on purchasing Calafiori as a potential replacement for Alessandro Bastoni, who has been heavily linked with a move away in recent months. Moreover, Napoli and Juventus are also keen on him.
With Calafiori’s existing deal set to run until 2029, Arsenal aren’t in any rush to sell him this summer. He is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt, and Chelsea will have to launch an unrefusable proposal to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
Calafiori, standing at 6ft 2in tall, is a left-footed centre-back by trait but is efficient in the left-back position as well. He is quick, good in the air, technically sound, can play threading passes between the lines, and is also efficient in defensive contributions.
He has shown glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League in recent years and could be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea should they purchase him.
