‘London calling’ – Chelsea ‘crazy’ about player desired by Maresca, contact made in last few days

Chelsea are showing interest in Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, according to Tuttosport.

The centre-back has impressed in his debut season with the Serie A side and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

It’s claimed ‘everyone is crazy’ about the 22-year-old and Chelsea are one of the clubs in this list.

In the ‘last few days’, the Blues have made contact, with the possibility of offering €22m to secure his services.

Chelsea are in the process of appointing Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor and the former likes the Italy international ‘a lot’. Maresca is said to believe his compatriot would be a perfect fit at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, ‘London is calling’ for Calafiori, who is also being chased by other clubs, including Juventus, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bologna are aware it’ll be difficult to hold on to the player and want to earn ‘as much as possible’ from his sale in the summer window. They have to pay 40% of the fee to his former club, FC Basel, and are hoping for his valuation to rise after the Euros.

The report says Calafiori isn’t keen on moving to Chelsea and his desire is to join Juve, who have outlined a five-year deal with his representative.

The Turin club are trying to sign him before the start of the Euros.