Arsenal ‘make $51m transfer bid’ for Liverpool ‘target’ after Juventus up and out

Whenever there is an international tournament there will always be transfer links involving big clubs like Liverpool. However, the Reds will not be swayed by some good performances at Euro 2024 or the Copa America.

Amid ongoing speculation surrounding Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal have made a value bid $51m (£40m/€47m) refused for the 22-year-old, according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport. It is said to be just slightly less than the 22-year-old’s valuation of $54m (£42m/€50m).

Bologna would rather sell the player abroad than to another Serie A side, with Real Madrid and Tottenham also among those to be linked with a move for the Italy star. That explains why a move to Juventus stalled when Calafiori was originally supposed to follow Thiago Motta to the Old Lady.

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“I can confirm that we will consider proposals for Calafiori,” Bologna boss Giovanni Sartori said earlier this week, admitting an exit was on the cards. “It would be fantastic to keep him, but we have to be realistic. In case of a good proposal, we will discuss it and we anticipate that clubs from abroad will move.”

It remains to be seen how interested Liverpool really are in Calafiori, with the ECHO reporting that while Leny Yoro is a target, a centre-back is not necessarily a priority for the Reds this summer. However, Bologna have lined up Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi as a replacement for the player, according to Corriere Bologna, in the latest hint that he could be on the move.

Liverpool.com says: Calafiori was impressive at Euro 2024, but Liverpool must decide how likely a move for Yoro really is. If Real Madrid is all he wants, the Lille teenager could easily do another year at the Ligue 1 side and then seal a move as a free agent in 2025.

In that case, the Reds really need to find an alternative defender to target. Not doing so would be a gamble when Arne Slot won’t have Joel Matip available next season, his contract now up. Liverpool cannot afford to fall short as they head back into the Champions League.