Riccardo Calafiori destined for exit as West Ham United ready new transfer now
Bologna are resigned to losing Riccardo Calafiori as West Ham United want to sign him this summer, according to Ryan Taylor.
The journalist reported on 30 June that the Serie A side may be left with no choice but to sell following his performances at EURO 2024 with Italy.
Bologna are expected to demand a hefty fee, even exceeding the £40million barrier due to a 40 per cent sell-on clause owed to FC Basel.
Why Riccardo Calafiori would be a solid addition for West Ham United
It comes as no surprise that Julen Lopetegui is on the market for defensive reinforcement this summer, especially due to the overhaul that is expected to come to the London Stadium this summer [The Evening Standard, 13 June].
The Hammers have been consistently linked with a plethora of defensive talent including Wolves captain, Max Kilman, with two bids rejected for the centre-back already [Fabrizio Romano, 30 June].
Despite Italy being knocked out of Euro 2024, Calafiori was among his country’s best performers.
He helped solidify the Italian defence and ensure that they made it into the knockout stages.
The only Euro 2024 game that Calafiori missed due to a ban was the one in which Italy got knocked out.
Not only does this outline how strong of a defender he is but it also showcases why he would be a strong addition to the Hammers’ squad.
The only stumbling block would likely be the fee required due to his recent stellar performances and the demand he is currently under.
In other West Ham news, the club have released six players from one of their squads.
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