Riccardo Calafiori has opened up about his enduring connection to Roma, admitting that a return to his boyhood club remains a significant dream for his future career.
The Arsenal defender, speaking on the Supernova podcast and relayed by Corriere dello Sport, reflected on his departure from the Giallorossi and expressed a sense of unfinished business in the capital. The Italian international made it clear that the way his tenure ended and was marked by a sudden exit after a promising start, is something he still carries with him.
The quotes provided by the player highlight a deep-seated desire to one day wear the Roma colors again.
“I‘d like to return to Roma sooner or later. We can’t plan it, of course, but yes, I want to return.”
He added more details to how the tenure at Roma simply withered away.
“It all started very well, with a goal. I played a lot for the first six months with Mourinho , even providing a few assists. Then came Bodo Glimt-Roma , and from that moment on I didn’t play again. I went to Genoa on loan, but I didn’t play there either. Only three appearances. In the meantime, Roma won the Conference. There was no more room for me.”
Calafiori’s words suggest that despite his success abroad and in the Premier League, the emotional tie to his roots remains a powerful motivator for a potential homecoming later in his career.
Casemiro has reportedly told Manchester United which player he wants to replace him in midfield as the club prepare to break the bank once again this summer.
The Red Devils made it their priority to overhaul Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack last summer, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all arriving through the doors for a combined fee of around £200million.
Old Trafford bosses had also been keen to bring in a central midfielder to slot into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation and a host of high-profile names were linked, including Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba.
Brighton have since confirmed that United made an ambitious approach for Baleba towards the end of the transfer window, only to simply ‘go away’ when informed the Cameroon international was not for sale.
It’s understood United are satisfied with their new-look frontline, which has been firing on all cylinders during the side’s revival under Michael Carrick, and attentions have already turned to strengthening in midfield.
According to Spanish outlet AS, United’s hierarchy are preparing themselves for ‘a major summer transfer spree’ and the search is underway for an ‘irreplaceable’ midfielder who would be capable of leaving a ‘lasting legacy’.
In January, Casemiro announced that this season would be his last at the Theatre of Dreams – and replacing the Brazilian is expected to ‘come at a steep price’, with United freeing up transfer funds of around £170million.
Old Trafford chiefs are favouring players with proven Premier League experience – following the success of Cunha and Mbeumo – and the size of United’s warchest could see as many as three midfielders added to the squad.
It’s claimed Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson all find themselves towards the top of United’s wishlist, while Adam Wharton and Joao Gomes are both believed to be ‘further down’ in the Red Devils’ priorities.
United are said to view Guimaraes as a ‘foundational player for the future’ and Casemiro has himself recommended that a move for his fellow countryman is explored.
Newcastle stand to make a tidy profit should they decide to cash in on Guimaraes, having signed the 28-year-old from Lyon for a fee of £42m four years ago.
The Magpies have been clear that Guimaraes is not for sale, though, and there are currently talks in place for the Brazil international to extend his stay at St James’ Park, ‘complicating’ a possible move from United.
When it comes to Guimaraes’ Newcastle midfield partner, Tonali, the report claims a switch to top Premier League team – rather than a return to Serie A – is becoming ‘increasingly likely’ for the Italy international.
United are said to have held ‘informal’ talks with the representatives of both Guimaraes and Tonali , but it would ‘likely’ take an offer in excess of £125m – the fee that Liverpool spent on Alexander Isak – to convince Newcastle to part with either player.
Anderson remains firmly on United’s radar after a stellar 18 months at club and international level. But at this stage, there remains uncertainty over the 23-year-old’s asking price – which will be dependent on Nottingham Forest’s fight to remain in the Premier League.
The report adds that Joao Gomes is ‘hoping for a call’ from United, with Wolves looking a certainty to drop down into the Championship with ten games remaining of the top-flight campaign.
United will look to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak under Carrick when they return to action away to Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Alongside Ange Postecoglou, the United interim head coach has enjoyed the joint-best start after nine matches of any manager in Premier League history.
The latest reports indicate that the ‘majority’ of the first-team squad would now like to see the ex-England midfielder given a long-term contract beyond the summer.