Report: After Riccardo Calafiori, Chelsea now want to sign another 'fantastic' Arsenal target
07/04/2024 01:30 PM
Chelsea and Arsenal have made a habit of locking horns in the transfer market in recent years.
Mikel Arteta's side missed out on Mykhaylo Mudryk to the Blues back in January last year while the two clubs were also both keen to snap up Raphinha from Leeds United two summers ago.
Moises Caicedo, who completed a British record switch to Stamford Bridge last summer, was also previously on Arsenal's radar.
Now, the two clubs have also gone head-to-head for the signing of Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori. But this time around, it would appear that Arsenal are set to win that race.
Reports in Italy have claimed that the Gunners are close to wrapping up a deal for Calafiori, despite strong interest from Chelsea.
And according to TEAMtalk, Enzo Maresca's men could now switch their focus to another defensive target of Arsenal's should they miss out on Calafiori.
Chelsea switch focus to Arsenal target Jorrel Hato
TBR Football revealed back in April that Arsenal were weighing up a possible move for Ajax's Jorrel Hato this summer.
While the Dutch defender remains on Arsenal's shortlist, it would appear that the Gunners have decided on a move for Calafiori.
With Arteta's side looking set to beat Chelsea to the Italian's signature, Maresca is set to switch his focus to Hato, claims TEAMtalk.
It's noted that Hato has made their shortlist and has been discussed by key figures during transfer meetings at the west London club.
But they could face a challenge in convincing the 18-year-old to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, with suggestions the 'fantastic' youngster keen to remain in Amsterdam.
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Hato and Calafiori's stats compared
Both players featured regularly for Ajax and Bologna, respectively, last season. At 18, Hato racked up 43 appearances in all competitions while 22-year-old Calafiori featured 33 times for Bologna.
Hato registered three goal involvements while Calafiori had a hand in seven goals in Serie A.
Both players are similar in profile as they can operate at centre-back, as well as left-back, so it would be no real surprise if Chelsea did switch their focus to Hato should Calafiori complete a switch to north London.
