Chelsea consider Calafiori transfer, Blues could resurrect Osimhen interest
Chelsea are considering a move for a left-footed defender who can provide cover in a back three or four. They have set their sights on Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori.
According to The Telegraph, Calafiori is an option being considered by the club to reinforce the defence, with the Italy international able to fill in at centre-back and left-back.
The 22-year-old continued his breakout season with an excellent showing at the 2024 European Championship. His composure and poise on the ball caught the eye of many.
He had played a crucial role in Bologna securing Champions League football last season, helping the Serie A side keep ten clean sheets in 30 top-flight appearances.
Calafiori won 63% of his duels in Serie A, notching two goals and five assists while covering multiple positions for manager Thiago Motta.
He could make an excellent addition for the Blues this summer, although the West Londoners will be better off signing a specialist left-back.
On the bright side, new manager Enzo Maresca plans to use Levi Colwill in his natural centre-back position, with Marc Cucurella at left-back. Ben Chilwell faces an uncertain future at the club.
Also, per the report, Chelsea have not ruled out a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite pulling out of a deal initially due to the high figures involved.
However, Napoli reportedly reduced their asking price to €100 million after struggling to find takers when they insisted on his €150m release clause.
The Partenopei are ready to sell Osimhen this summer and hope the reduction will bring the suitors back to the negotiating table.
Chelsea have failed with moves for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion. They could return for the Napoli man to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson up top.
€100m still feels like a lot of cheddar for a player who has only crossed the 30-goal threshold once in his career (2022/23). His injury record is also worrying.