Reports in Germany suggest that Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are interested in a potential move for promising Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.
According to German outlet Bild, Calafiori is a firm favourite at the BayArena, although he is not currently the first choice on the Rhine.
Thursday’s report suggests that Leverkusen are predominantly interested in 21-year-old, Real Madrid-owned centre-back Rafa Marin, who has spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Alaves in LaLiga.
However, Calafiori remains an enticing option for the recently-confirmed Bundesliga champions, although Bologna are not expected to entertain offers below the €25m mark this summer.
There is also interest in Calafiori from several Serie A sides, including both Juventus and Napoli.
Calafiori’s previous club, FC Basel, also have a significant sell-on clause dating back to his transfer to Bologna last summer, so the Rossoblu will want to get the most out of any offer that comes their way.
Welche Namen noch auf seiner Einkaufsliste stehen: Alonso hat dieses Real-Juwel im Visierhttps://t.co/5GqMYkKRz0
— BILD B. Leverkusen (@BILD_Bayer04) April 24, 2024