Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur 'hold talks' over defender signing despite Juventus preference

By Carter White | 17 June 2024

Tottenham 'hold talks' over defender signing despite Juventus preference

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the race for Italy international Riccardo Calafiori after holding initial talks, despite the defender favouring a move to Juventus.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks with Bologna over the potential signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The 22-year-old is currently away on international duty at Euro 2024 with Italy, with the centre-back helping Luciano Spalletti's troops to commence their tournament campaign on a positive note by defeating Albania on Saturday night.

Netting the fastest goal in European Championship history, Nedim Bajrami put the Albanians ahead inside the opening 30 seconds, however first-half strikes from Inter Milan pair Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella secured three points for the current holders.

Spalletti's decision to start Calafiori in his nation's Euro opener on the weekend was a testament to the excellence of his debut season for Bologna after switching from Swiss outfit Basel in August 2023.

The defender quickly cemented his place as a first-choice option at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, helping his side to a fifth-placed finish and qualification for the league phase of next season's revamped Champions League.

Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on May 20, 2024 © Reuters

Tottenham 'make first move' in race for Calafiori

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have made their first move in the pursuit of highly-rated Calafiori during this summer's transfer window.

The report states that Spurs have held initial discussions with representatives of the defender and current employers Bologna over a potential switch to North London ahead of the 2024-25 term.

Ange Postecoglou's side remain in the race for Calafiori despite the player supposedly favouring a move to Italian giants Juventus this summer.

With Thiago Motta leaving the managerial position at Bologna to take up the vacant role for the Old Lady, it is believed that the 22-year-old hopes to follow his head coach to the Allianz Stadium.

Alongside Juve, there is also interest in Calafiori from other top sides in Serie A, including AC Milan, Napoli and runaway champions Inter Milan.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match on April 24, 2024 © Reuters

Chelsea, Newcastle United to rival Tottenham for Calafiori?

As well as the host of clubs lining up for the services of Calafiori in Italy, Spurs are also set to face competition from fellow Premier League sides for the youngster.

It is believed that Newcastle have held introductory talks with Bologna over a potential switch to the North-East for the defender during this window.

Despite already recruiting Tosin Adarabioyo from West London neighbours Fulham, Chelsea are said to be keen on Calafiori, who is being scouted intensely at Euro 2024.

After passing the assignment of a battle with Albania striker Armando Broja on Saturday, Calafiori's credentials on the international stage will be seriously tested as Italy face Spain in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday night.