Liverpool receives huge Riccardo Calafiori transfer boost amid Real Madrid claim

Liverpool and plenty of others have been linked with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Bologna chief Giovanni Sartori has offered another update on the player. The 22-year-old's impressive performances at the European Championship in Germany have only increased the speculation surrounding the player this summer.

"I can confirm that we will consider proposals for Calafiori," Sartori has said, via Fabrizio Romano. "It'd be fantastic to keep him but we have to be realistic. In case of a good proposal, we will discuss about that, and we anticipate clubs from abroad to move."

However, Calafiori is now being looked at by Real Madrid, the Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport reports. Arsenal and Tottenham are both keen as well but Bologna chief Sartori has suggested that Juventus could be out of the race.

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Previously thought to be the favorite for his signature because manager Thiago Motta has moved between the clubs already this summer, Calafiori is now said to be heading elsewhere. Bologna is desperate not to lose a key player to a Serie A rival.

"I think he will not end up joining Juventus," Sartori had previously said. "Probably he can go abroad, in case we decide to sell him. We’d like to keep Calafiori so let’s see what happens."

Calafiori is valued at around $43m (£34m/€40m). Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro remains the player that the Reds would ideally snap up if Real Madrid cannot get a deal for the 18-year-old over the line.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds need to sign a defender to avoid taking a big gamble on Ibrahima Konate's fitness but the obsession with Calafiori on social media comes mainly from a couple of games at Euro 2024. Liverpool has a lot more evidence to base its decision on than that.