In an exclusive interview with BoyleSports, former Premier League star Chris Waddle has explained to us why Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori may not be interested in Premier League offers in this summer transfer window.
The Italian defender is coming off an impressive season for club Bologna and caught the eye at this summer’s Euros despite his country’s disappointing Round of 16 exit at the hands of Switzerland. This has seen the 22-year-old heavily linked to top Premier League sides but his decision may not be a foregone conclusion.
Waddle also gave us his take on who his former clubs Tottenham and Newcastle should be targeting this summer plus a Euro 2024 star whose talent was wasted at Arsenal.
Why Italian Defender Riccardo Calafiori May Pass Up On Premier League Offers
Bologna had an unbelievable season, and I think four of the Swiss team play in that side, so it just shows the importance of playing in sides who have done well throughout the season.
Calafiori stuck out as a defender that a lot of people will be looking at, but does he want to stay in Italy for a bit longer and maybe hold out for a move to someone like Juventus or Inter Milan? He might be looking for a bigger club in his home country because some players don't want to leave their own country.
*Inter Milan are 4/6 favourites to win the Serie A per the latest football odds at BoyleSports.
That might sway him to think he doesn't have to come to the Premier League. He's a mobile centre-half who can pass it, so you can only envisage him getting better as well.
Granit Xhaka Was ‘Boring’ and ‘Wasted’ at Arsenal
Granit Xhaka has been a revelation by the way, I didn't know he could play like that. He was so boring at Arsenal. He's gone to Leverkusen, and he is a different player - passing forward, crossing, nutmegs – I had no idea he could do that!
Arsenal have wasted a player there when you look back. He could have done a lot more than what he did at Arsenal. I've been very impressed with him. England have got some serious considerations before this game to think about how to stop a confident Swiss team.
Newcastle Losing Alexander Isak Would Be a ‘Massive Backward Step’
I would have to say Alexander Isak. Callum Wilson, when he is fit, looks like he is going to score goals, but he is just very rarely fit for a consistent period of time. So to lose Isak would be a massive loss, he's got better and better.
I watched him in a friendly against Denmark before the tournament started and he kept getting around the defenders so easily, and with so much speed, so I can see why Tottenham and Chelsea are trying to get him out of Newcastle.
He's an ideal player for Tottenham - he's pacy and exciting - but if Newcastle lose him and replace him with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, they will be in trouble. He suffers so many injuries, so then you're asking Callum Wilson to stay fit.
Isak has had his injury problems as well, but losing him to a Premier League rival would be a massive backwards step.
The Three Players Newcastle Need This Summer
New Striker a Priority (But Not Calvert-Lewin)
I can see why Eddie Howe is chasing down a centre-forward because of Callum Wilson's injury problems. But Calvert-Lewin misses a lot of football, so I'm not sure why he is being looked at by the club.
If they don't get a new centre-forward in, they are going to have to end up playing someone like Joelinton up front. He has been brilliant in midfield when he has played there, but we have seen he is not a centre-forward at all.
‘He’s Not A Newcastle Player’
There was talk of Richarlison coming in, but I just do not think he is a Newcastle player at all. I'm not a big fan of his at all, even though he is a trier, I just don't think he has the ability to fit into the way they play. He seems more like the type of player who could go out to Italy on loan and do well, but they need to properly strengthen the squad.
The defence needs refreshing as well, but how much can they spend with PSR constraints? Do they have to sell in order to bring money in for transfers? I think they need two or three players, because there are a lot of players still there in the last year of their contracts. I would think Howe needs a defender, another midfield player to help out, and then a centre-forward that can provide back-up for Isak.
Tottenham-Linked Jonathan David Is ‘Not the Greatest Footballer’
I can see why Ange Postcoglou likes him; he's a quick centre-forward, which is what Ange is looking for, someone who is mobile and can stretch defences to create space. I watched David for Canada against Chile, and he didn't even really get a kick.
David Would Suit Tottenham's Style of Play
He's done well in France, so I can see why teams are looking at him. He's not the greatest footballer, but he has got pace and I think that suits the way Tottenham want to play.
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