Liverpool are not expected to challenge Arsenal for the signature of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Reds have been linked with the Italian international in recent weeks but, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said the Merseyside club are focusing on signing other players:
“My understanding is that Liverpool are not actively in the race for him at this stage, we’ve heard links with several Premier League clubs, but Liverpool sources downplay the links that are being made between Calafiori and them, so it appears that they have other targets that they are working on.”
Some fans were hoping that Arne Slot’s side would enter the race for Calafiori but appears they will be left disappointed.
Where did the rumours about Calafiori come from?
Liverpool had been mentioned as a potential suitor for the 22-year-old in some newspaper columns in Italy but Fabrizio Romano’s recent comments were what really stirred the pot.
He has repeatedly said that sporting director Richard Hughes is a big fan of Calafiori’s, having scouted him several times during his spell at Bournemouth, but it seems apparent now that this interest has cooled since his appointment at Anfield.
A centre-back is not a priority for Liverpool
Interestingly enough, one of Slot’s ex-players David Hancko gave us a big insight into the Reds’ transfer plans earlier this week. The Feyenoord defender had been tipped to join his former manager in England but he confirmed that the club are not “looking for a player in my position”.
While Liverpool’s pursuit of Lille’s Leny Yoro may contradict that statement, it is believed the interest in the French teenager is due to him being a generational talent, rather than the result of any immediate need to strengthen at the back.
