Bologna has said that they are open to proposals for Riccardo Calafiori, an Arsenal target.
The 22-year-old center defender was crucial to Bologna’s Serie A fifth-place finish the previous year, which guaranteed them a spot in the Champions League the following year.
Calafiori was also a member of Italy’s Euro 2024 team, which was eliminated on Saturday after losing 2-0 to Switzerland in the round of 16.
Although the defender has been linked to a number of teams, including Juventus, Arsenal, and Liverpool, sources from Italy this week indicate that teams outside of Serie A are showing the greatest interest in Mikel Arteta’s team.
Juventus have already held talks over the possible signing of Calafiori but have reportedly cooled their interest with Bologna demanding a €40 million (£33.8m) transfer fee.
Juve are said to have Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as an alternative signing to Calafiori.
Calafiori was signed by Bologna in a €4m (£3.3m) deal from Swiss side FC Basel last summer.
And now Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, admits Calafiori could move on again if they receive an ‘important’ offer.
“We have the intention of keeping him, but we will wait and see what happens in the market,” Sartori said.
“We took him 12 months ago.” We’ll work to hold onto him, but we’ll have to examine any significant offers that come in.
“I don’t think he’s going to Juventus; he’s probably going to another market.”
In addition, Bologna may lose Joshua Zirkzee, their standout striker, to Manchester United or AC Milan.