Arsenal have been closely linked with a move for Italy and Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, but Liverpool legend Didi Hamann believes the Reds should hijack the deal for the highly sought-after defender. Calafiori, who impressed at Euro 2024, has drawn attention from numerous top European clubs.
The 22-year-old seems poised to move to the Premier League, with Arsenal expressing the most interest so far. However, the transfer fee remains a significant obstacle.
Bologna’s asking price of £42 million is reportedly £8 million more than what Arsenal is willing to pay. Amid this impasse, Hamann is urging Liverpool to seize this opportunity. He suggests that Liverpool should reignite their previous interest in Calafiori and snatch him from under Mikel Arteta’s nose.
In an exclusive interview with Top Offshore Casinos, Hamann said, “Riccardo Calafiori is a very good player and is so comfortable on the ball. It’s no surprise that when he missed Italy’s game against Switzerland in the last 16, they put in a terrible performance. They were awful from start to finish, and that came after he set up the last-minute equaliser against Croatia.”
Hamann emphasized that Virgil van Dijk, who wants to stay and work with his fellow countryman Arne Slot, could benefit greatly from having Calafiori as a teammate.
He noted that while Ibrahima Konate is a brilliant defender, his frequent injuries make Calafiori an attractive option. “Calafiori would be a very good player depending on how much he’d cost,” Hamann added. “He’s certainly a player that would be a starter for Liverpool given what he did for his club last season and for his country. He’s the type of player who improves your team, and that’s crucial when you want to challenge for trophies.”
The race for Calafiori’s signature intensified after Italy was knocked out of the Euros, with Chelsea also being linked to the defender. Arsenal had hoped to finalise the deal before their U.S. tour, but that now seems unlikely as the clubs haggle over the fee.
Bologna’s insistence on a higher fee is due to an agreement with Calafiori’s former club, Swiss side Basel, which is entitled to 50% of any transfer fee. This financial detail could open the door for Liverpool, who are eyeing defensive reinforcements this summer.
RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, who reportedly carries a price tag of £38 million, is another player on Liverpool’s radar. The club’s need for defensive reinforcements is clear, and Hamann’s endorsement of Calafiori highlights the Italian’s potential impact at Anfield.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will heed Hamann’s advice and make a move for Calafiori, or if Arsenal will manage to secure the defender’s services despite the financial hurdles.
