Two Big 6 rivals STEAL ahead of Liverpool by entering Riccardo Calaifori talks

Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool are not in talks for Riccardo Calafiori - but two big six rivals are. The Italian caught the eye in Serie A last season and at Euro 2024.

Fabrizio Romano claims two Premier League sides are in talks for Riccardo Calafiori but Liverpool are not one of them. That's despite links between the Reds and the Italian in recent weeks.

Arsenal and Chelsea are looking to get there first, however. They're both discussing a move for the defender, with the Gunners having presented a long-term proposal to Calafiori.

He's also open to joining them.

"Arsenal have presented long term proposal to Riccardo Calafiori, after interest revealed last week," Romano wrote on X/Twitter. "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."

Liverpool for Calafiori?

Calafiori had a brilliant season with Bologna last time out, earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Year. He then caught the eye at Euro 2024 for Italy, even if the nation exited the tournament prematurely.

Bologna are open to selling the player, though. Their only real condition is that he doesn't join Juventus, but they're reportedly very aware that big offers from the Premier League are on the way.

As of yet, those offers haven't come from Liverpool. That could change, though, as the Reds are still figuring out if they need a new centre-back at all this summer.

Joel Matip's exit opened the possibility, but it's entirely possible that Arne Slot feels Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are enough for the role. If he doesn't, then Calafiori could well be the defender Liverpool are looking for.

We certainly believe he's got the ability to be a star for the Reds - if they need one this summer. But they better hurry up and decide.