Chelsea seem to really like the look of one player who was at Euro 2024 after scouting him during the tournament.
The Blues have strengthened their defence this summer with the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo.
The centre-back joined Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer last month after reaching the end of his contract at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea now look to be concentrating on signing a new striker amid links with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
However, they could yet turn their attention back to defence.
Chelsea undecided
Chelsea have options in central defence and at left-back.
Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile are just a few names who can play at centre-back, while Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell are options for the left-back position.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, though, Chelsea have still scouted Riccardo Calafiori at Euro 2024, with the Bologna star able to play both roles.
They now appear to be weighing up whether to make an offer for him after being impressed by his displays for Italy.
On his Substack, Phillips wrote: “Italy of course are now out of the Euros after losing 2-0 to Switzerland on Saturday, and Chelsea’s scouts are now compiling their reports and a decision will be made as to whether the club push to try and sign him this summer.”
He also went on to add: “Chelsea scouts have been impressed with his performances at the Euros, is what SPTC sources are initially hearing back. But we are unsure as of now whether they will be pushing to sign him or not.”
How did Riccardo Calafiori perform at Euro 2024?
It was a disappointing European Championship for Italy, who could not get past the last 16 after being eliminated by Switzerland.
Individually, though, Calafiori can be pleased with how he performed in Germany.
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old made two interceptions per game, which was the highest average in his squad. He also averaged 2.7 clearances, more than any other Italy player bar Alessandro Bastoni (four).
CaughtOffside has claimed that Calafiori could cost €45m (£38m) this summer. Based on how he played at the Euros, that could end up being a real bargain for someone.
