In a recent report, Tuttosport mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are set to rival Arsenal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer. It has been stated that Spurs are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Italian centre-back in this ongoing transfer window.
Calafiori’s Impressive Run Of Form In Serie A
Calafiori had an impressive campaign at the Italian club after he put in a series of decent displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The Italy international was involved in 37 matches for Bologna last season, finding the back of the net twice and picking up six assists across all competitions.
The 22-year-old has been a rock at the back and deserves some credit for averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per 90 minutes in Serie A. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from inside his half based on his pass success rate of 89.8% in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Italian club will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, Spurs would have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about recruiting Calafiori this off-season.
What Will Calafiori Bring To Tottenham Hotspur?
Calafiori is a tough-tackling defender who can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and can even play his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.88m, the Italy international can use his robust frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. He is primarily a centre-back but can also fill in as a right-back if required.
We can expect Calafiori to bring more firepower to Tottenham Hotspur boss Angelos Postecoglu’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for regular first-team football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
At 22, Calafiori has the potential to be a future star in European football. Therefore, the North London outfit would be wise to go all out to recruit him before the end of this transfer period. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the high intensity of Premier League football if Spurs manage to snap him up this summer.
