Juventus and Bologna could complete several business transactions this summer as each team has what the other wants. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Riccardo Calafiori has positioned himself at the top of Cristiano Giuntoli’s wishlist.
Bologna signed the 21-year-old from Basel last summer and turned him into one of the best center-backs in Serie A. After going from strength to strength at Renato Dall’Ara, the Italian is ready to take his career to the next step. Thiago Motta’s men demand €25 million to sanction a deal.
Juventus, on the other hand, seek a discount. The record-time Serie A champions hope to close the operation at €15m. That’s where Fabio Miretti comes into play. Bologna see the 20-year-old as a wise investment. Like Calafiori, they could establish him in top-tier football before making a substantial profit from his sale in the future.
It’s uncertain how Juventus feel about this. Miretti was supposed to be one of the cornerstones of the club’s long-term project. However, after a bright start to his senior career at the Allianz Stadium, he has tumbled down the pecking order.
Bologna would grant Juventus permission to negotiate personal terms with Calafiori if they get Miretti in return. The young gun might view a potential switch to Dall’Ara as an opportunity to prove his worth at the top level, but much will depend on Bianconeri’s stance.
In the meantime, Juventus continue to keep close tabs on another Bologna star. It’s Joshua Zirkzee, of course. But they face stiff competition from Arsenal and Milan in the race to sign one of Europe’s most talented forwards.
More must-reads: