Chelsea could offload players in a transfer hijack for Arsenal target
By Kian Long
Chelsea have proven in the past that they are capable of pulling off surprises in the transfer window, most notably surprises which don't come too kind to Arsenal. Chelsea have signed Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo over the last few years, two transfers who were seemingly going to join Arsenal at previous points.
So, it should come as no surprise to see that Chelsea are yet again linked with an Arsenal transfer target. However, this time round, the ball is rolling a lot faster than it has rolled in previous years, so Chelsea may wish to get a move on.
Chelsea could offload players in a transfer hijack for Arsenal target
According to a recent update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, current Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is open to joining Arsenal, if Arsenal can reach an agreement with Bologna. However, despite Arsenal currently leading the race, Romano did say that "Chelsea are still there."
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal have presented long term proposal to Riccardo Calafiori, after interest revealed last week.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024
Understand player’s open to joining Arsenal if they can agree terms with Bologna. Chelsea are still there.
❗️ Arsenal and Chelsea, the only two clubs in talks right now. pic.twitter.com/nKEuTg9ZfF
In a later update, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Chelsea were considering a different approach to Arsenal to sign Riccardo Calafiori. Apparently, the Blues are willing to offer players to Bologna in their unique approach, one which they hope will be an upgrade to Arsenal's solely cash deal.
🚨🇮🇹 More on Riccardo Calafiori. Mikel Arteta approved Italian defender, part of 3 defender targets list.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024
Arsenal have also good relationship with Bologna after Tomiyasu deal; request is around €50m, still no formal bid.
🔵↪️ Chelsea would offer players as part of the deal. pic.twitter.com/qQFVZnzhWu
So, long story short, there are many layers to consider. As things stand, Arsenal have the advantage because the player is open to joining them. However, Arsenal must reach an agreement with Bologna first. Arsenal are believed to be close to an agreement, as only £2m separates their valuation from Bologna. But there is potential for a Chelsea upset here.
It is difficult to predict the outcome of this transfer race but in truth, it will not be a blow to Chelsea if they miss out on Calafiori. There are options out there and given Arsenal's speed to attack this deal, it might be better off avoiding it from a Chelsea perspective. Still, there is that potential to pull of a Mudryk 2.0, which Chelsea fans definitely won't complain about.
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Where do you think Riccardo Calafiori will play next season?