Riccardo Calafiori has Chelsea transfer green light for Enzo Maresca dream scenario

Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has already admitted that it is his dream to play in the Premier League, and specifically at Chelsea, as he continues a rapid assent into prominence. It comes as the young centre-back was part of a winning Azzurri team on the opening weekend of Euro 2024.

Calafiori played 90 minutes next to Alessandro Bastoni, who scored the equalising goal against Albania on Saturday, and impressed with his display at the heart of defence. Having stood out for Luciano Spalletti in Germany there is now plenty of talk over what the future holds for the 22-year-old.

Prior to the European Championship starting he had already been linked with a move to England. Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly amongst the teams watching Calafiori, who is also capable of playing at left-back, whilst AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Napoli have also been touted as options.

It is the Old Lady that are said to be the favourites after they appointed Thiago Motta as head coach. The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was key to masterminding eventual Champions League qualification at Bologna last season, leading them into Europe with a stunning set of performances.

Calafiori was one of those who best demonstrated Motta's approach, often running from deep and ending up in the box during attacks, playing across the backline and stepping out into midfield. It could be the fourth season in a row he has changed teams though if a deal is completed.

Having come through the Roma academy he first spent time on loan at Genoa in the second half of the 2021/22 season. He then moved permanently to Basel, but only for 12 months with Bologna snapping him up. It only took him one year back in Italy to get the attention of his national side, having been only capped at age-group level previously, and now he is one to watch for the summer.

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For Chelsea, it is an interesting prospect. Califiori has primarily played centrally but is just as adept at full-back. The Blues are seeking to find new options on the left with Ian Maatsen expected to leave. He could bring in £35million - which is his release clause - as talks with Borussia Dortmund go on.

Meanwhile, there are questions over the long-term suitability of both Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella. Left-back is understood to be one of the areas that Enzo Maresca is keen to sign new players for this summer, and with performances like in the opening game for Italy, Calafiori is certainly someone to keep an eye on.

For Chelsea more than others he may also be of extreme interest. Speaking in 2022 he opened up on where he would like to be in five years time. “I have two images: going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome," he started. "Or my dream would be to play in the Premier League. I really like West Ham or Chelsea.”