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Chelsea chase ambitious summer deal for Riccardo Calafiori
Cameron Smith
- 12 Mar 2026 15:23 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in Italy international Riccardo Calafiori as they eye an ambitious summer deal for the Arsenal defender.
Calafiori, 23, was earmarked as a key target by the Chelsea hierarchy in 2024, with the Blues eager to bring him to west London following his performances for Bologna in Serie A and his form during the European Championship.
Current ETV
Riccardo Calafiori
D (L)
Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori
D (L)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€45.7M - €55.8M
However, Arsenal won the race for his signature and Calafiori has been an integral player under Mikel Arteta since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite this, the Italian has fallen behind Piero Hincapie in the pecking order in recent weeks and he has only amassed 163 minutes of action from a possible 810 in Arsenal’s last nine matches across the Premier League and Champions League.
FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are on the verge of signing Hincapie on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, following an extremely promising loan stint, and Chelsea have subsequently added Calafiori to their 2026 transfer wishlist.
That is according to a shock report from Blues journalist Simon Phillips, who claims that Liam Rosenior’s side are exploring a potential summer move for the Arsenal star.
It’s stated that Calafiori could be open to leaving the Gunners if a suitable bid arrives and the Italian is reportedly eager to play consistent football as a central defender, rather than at left-back.
Given Chelsea’s issues at the heart of defence this season, it’s no surprise that a deal would be of interest to the west London giants, especially as rumours suggest that Benoit Badiashile is likely to be sold this summer amid his lack of form over the past 12 months.
Verdict: Chelsea unlikely to sign Riccardo Calafiori
Although Chelsea are interested in signing Calafiori, Arsenal are unlikely to sell the Italy international to a direct rival and a deal therefore seems improbable.
He still has three years remaining on his current contract too and despite his lack of game time in recent weeks, Calafiori remains a key player for the Gunners and a sale is unlikely to be permitted.
As a result, Chelsea will likely be required to identify an alternative centre-back target as they look to secure the services of a player capable of deputising for Levi Colwill when the England star returns to action following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
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