Arsenal 'makes $51m transfer bid' for Liverpool 'target' after Juventus twist and exit admission

Whenever there is an international tournament taking place, there are always going to be transfer links that emerge involving the big clubs like Liverpool. Nevertheless, the Reds won't be swayed by some good performances at Euro 2024 or the Copa America.

Amid persisting speculation surrounding Bologna center-back Riccardo Calafiori , Arsenal has had a bid worth $51m (£40m/€47m) turned down for the 22-year-old according to the Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport . That is said to be only marginally short of the 22-year-old's valuation of $54m (£42m/€50m).

Bologna would prefer to sell the player abroad rather than to a fellow Serie A side with Real Madrid and Tottenham also among those to be linked with a move for the Italy star. That explains why a move to Juventus has stalled when Calafiori was initially expected to follow Thiago Motta to the Old Lady.

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"I can confirm that we will consider proposals for Calafiori," Bologna chief Giovanni Sartori said earlier this week , admitting that an exit was on the cards. "It'd be fantastic to keep him but we have to be realistic. In case of a good proposal, we will discuss about that, and we anticipate clubs from abroad to move."

It remains to be seen just how interested Liverpool really is in Calafiori with the ECHO reporting that while Leny Yoro is a target, a center-back is not necessarily a priority for the Reds this summer. However, Bologna has, according to Corriere Bologna , lined up Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi as a replacement for the player in the latest hint that he could be on the move.

Liverpool.com says: Calafiori has been impressive at Euro 2024 but Liverpool needs to decide how likely a move for Yoro really is. If he only wants Real Madrid, the Lille teenager could easily just do another year at the Ligue 1 side and then seal a switch as a free agent in 2025.

In that case, the Reds really need to find an alternative defender to target. Not doing so would be a gamble when Arne Slot won't have Joel Matip available next season with his contract now expired. Liverpool cannot afford to leave itself short at the back as it heads back into the Champions League again.