Report: Tottenham ‘will try again’ to hijack Arsenal deal for 22-year-old
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have not yet given up on their pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal are favourites to land Riccardo Calafiori
The report backs up what we have heard over recent days, naming Arsenal and Chelsea as the two clubs who are currently leading the race for Calafiori’s signature.
It is revealed that Bologna were initially demanding €40m for the centre-back but they have now decided to accept no less than €50m, particularly since Basel are owed 50 per cent of the transfer fee.
The outlet states that it appears to be a matter of time before one of the Gunners or Blues come forward with a €50m bid, with the Serie A club currently waiting for such an offer to arrive.
It is explained that the lure of the Premier League and the higher salary package may be too hard for the Italy international to resist, even though he is happy at Bologna.
This comes as Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Calafiori and are in talks with Bologna to get a deal done this summer.
Spurs have not given up on Calafiori
Gazzetta reveal that Tottenham tried to sign Calafiori ‘behind closed doors’ in January but were unsuccessful in their pursuit.
It is asserted that Lilywhites remain keen on securing the defender and ‘will try again’ to sign him but they face an uphill task as Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta have both ‘fallen in love’ with the player.
In addition, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have also allegedly explored a deal for the versatile defender, with the publication adding that the chances of Calafiori departing Renato Dall’Ara Stadium remain ‘very high’.
Spurs Web Opinion
Based on this report, it seems like the race for Calafiori’s signature is far from over, even though Arsenal and Chelsea have now expressed the most concrete interest.
However, I would be extremely surprised if Tottenham push ahead with a move for the Italian as it would make little sense for the club to spend over £40m on a backup centre-back.
The post Report: Tottenham ‘will try again’ to hijack Arsenal deal for 22-year-old appeared first on The Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.