Real Madrid ‘join the race’ for Arsenal and Tottenham’s Riccardo Calafiori

Real Madrid are the latest club to be shown an interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as he continues to impress at Euro 2024.

Calafiori, 22, came into the summer after a breakout Serie A campaign that saw him rise up Juventus’ wish list, but his impressive form in Italy has seen scouts from across Europe take an interest in his performances.

In accordance with La Gazzetta dello SportJuventus are now growing concerned about their ability to reunite Calafiori with former manager Thiago Motta, who is in charge in Turin, due to the rising cost of the deal and the growing interest in his activities.

Real Madrid are said to be watching Calafiori this summer as part of their bid to snap up the world’s best young talent.

Madrid lost club captain Nacho Fernandez this summer, leaving Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as the top defenders in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. There is a desire to sign Leny Yoro from Lille but negotiations for this 18-year-old player are yet to develop.

Therefore, Calafiori has emerged as a potential. His price is believed to have risen from €40m (£34m) to €50m (£42m), with Bologna refusing to budge as Calafiori’s former employers, Basel, have a 40% sell-on clause.

Such a figure is expected to be too high for Juventus but could be acceptable to other suitors Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom are said to be keen on snapping up Calafiori after Euro 2024.

Bologna are expected to take their time and encourage as many offers as possible for the 22-year-old, who is under contract until 2027, as they look to cash in on their suitors.

Chelsea have been mentioned as a possible destination for Calafiori, as have Liverpool and Manchester United.

READ THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD