Tottenham target Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori to strengthen defensive depth

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring a new defender to White Hart Lane this summer as the North Londoners target Bologna center-back Riccardo Calafiori (h/t Tutto Juve).

The Lilywhites signed highly-rated Romanian international Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January for a fee reported to be in excess of £26 million as Spurs beat a late hijack attempt from Bayern Munich to land the central defender. The former Australia boss had to play full-backs in the heart of the defense as fillers at some point in the ongoing campaign, and he would not want to repeat that going into next season.

Paratici leads pursuit of versatile Calafiori

Spurs still lack depth at the heart of their defense as Daniel Levy and Co. look to bring another signing from the Italian market. Senior Tottenham transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, acknowledged Tottenham’s interest in signing Riccardo Calafiori this summer. 

Pete O’Rourke spoke about the impact that Fabio Paratici is still having behind the scenes at the club and is believed to be leading the pursuit for Riccardo. His versatility to play on the left back helps Tottenham’s problems with depth at the left full back as well.

As Tottenham return to Europe, they will need more options and depth in their roster, and signing a highly rated talent like Ricardo Calafiori will help their cause. While Calafiori made a move to Bologna from FC Basel only last summer, he has been a revelation at the Stadio Dall’Ara this season. His performances have warranted his becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in his position in Serie A.

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However, his services wouldn’t come easy, as Spurs face competition from Italian giants Juventus and German champions Bayer Leverkusen. One incentive they hold over the North Londoners is Champions League football, which could end up becoming a deciding factor in attracting the player.

Tottenham surely want to bring in a center-back this summer, though will it be Riccardo Calafiori? It is to be seen as they face stiff competition from Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, both of whom can offer Champions League football.