Report: Tottenham hold ‘initial talks’ over potential deal for Italy international

Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs making moves for Bologna’s highly-rated centre-back, Riccardo Calafiori, and are thought to have held ‘initial talks’ for the Italy international.

Riccardo Calafiori is shining at Euro 2024

Calafiori‘s stock has risen already this week, with the 22-year-old putting in an impressive display in Italy’s opening game of Euro 2024.

He’s coming off the back of a strong campaign with his club, too, with 37 appearances, two goals, and five assists for Bologna last season (Transfermarkt) as they secured a top-five finish in Serie A.

Spurs are big admirers of the defender and, despite intense competition for his signature, the Lilywhites are thought to be maintaining their pursuit of the player (TuttoJuve).

Just last week, CalcioMercato claimed Juventus had agreed personal terms with Calafiori ahead of a proposed transfer this summer. It has been suggested the player would prefer to stay in his native Italy (Alfredo Pedulla).

Spurs making moves for Calafiori

However, the latest update from CaughtOffside claims Spurs have initiated their approach for the young defender with a €35m (£29.5m) transfer mooted.

The report states Chelsea, Newcastle United, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Napoli are all circling, while Juventus is believed to be Calafiori’s preferred destination.

It is Spurs and Newcastle who are making moves, though, with “initial talks” already taking place to assess the situation. Apparently, “a number of clubs” are also scouting the Italy star at Euro 2024.

Calafiori is thought to be keen to link up with his former manager, Thiago Motta, at Juventus, but would be “open” to a Premier League switch, too. Still, Bologna do not want to give him up “without a fight,” not least of all because 40% of any transfer fee would go to his former club, Basel.

Spurs Web Opinion

Riccardo Calafiori is absolutely top-class, and will only get better. To have him in our central defensive unit would give us one of the best quartets in the world, to be honest, and the thought of making that happen is so tantalising. I can’t see him leaving Italy though, sadly.