Chelsea are reportedly more likely to miss out on considered one of their prime switch targets for the summer season. Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has lengthy been on Chelsea’s radar, desires to remain in Italy and his precedence is to affix Serie A powerhouse Juventus.
Chelsea To Miss Out On Extremely Rated Bologna Middle-Again Riccardo Calafiori
After lacking out on a top-four end for the second consecutive season, Chelsea are eager to type a extra aggressive squad for the 2024-25 marketing campaign. Bolstering their squad, nevertheless, can be simpler stated than achieved, because the Pensioners are on dangerously skinny ice relating to Monetary Honest Play (FFP) guidelines. They must promote huge gamers to stay compliant, which virtually guidelines out big-ticket purchases.
As per CaughtOffside’s sources, Chelsea had recognized a value-for-money center-back in Calafiori and had been keen to pay as much as €30 million ($32.50 million) for his providers. Nonetheless, as issues stand, they won’t be able so as to add the sought-after defender to their ranks this summer season.
For starters, Bologna need round €35 million ($37.92 million) for his or her defender, as 40% of the sale quantity will go to FC Basel. Secondly, Calafiori reportedly desires to proceed in Italy. He has recognized Juventus as his subsequent vacation spot and can unhesitantly swap if the Turin-based membership match Bologna’s asking value.
In response to the aforementioned report, Bologna supervisor Thiago Motta is near turning into Juventus’ head coach. His potential swap may very well be driving Calafiori’s need to affix the Bianconeri.
Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur have additionally proven curiosity within the participant. Whereas Inter, Chelsea, and Juventus have already met with Bologna to get extra details about the participant, Newcastle and Tottenham haven’t taken that step.
The Blues May Wrestle To Discover A Backup For Thiago Silva
Between 2020 and 2022, Chelsea had the masterclass pairing of Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva on the coronary heart of their protection. After the German left for Actual Madrid in 2022, the Blues’ protection took an enormous blow. However they nonetheless may depend on Silva to get them out of jail. From subsequent season, they won’t have the Brazilian at their disposal, because the 39-year-old has determined to maneuver on when his contract expires on June 30.
French trio Wesley Fofana, Axel Diasi, and Benoit Badiashile are more likely to take turns to fill the center-back roles. Nonetheless, not one of the three gamers can sub in for Silva but. The previous Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) man had unmatched expertise and the power to encourage when the going obtained tough. Neither of these traits might be developed in a single day.
Given how keen Chelsea are to search out the successful components, they’re more likely to hit the marketplace for Silva’s substitute. Nonetheless, will probably be a miracle if they will discover one, particularly with FFP sanctions respiration down their neck.