With all eyes in England and Europe on the Euro 2024 closing games, many transfers and transfer rumours are going under the radar. From Sancho to Juventus to Calafiori to Arsenal, there are many interesting stories coming out of Italy. This article is the first of many which will highlight some big transfer news that have come out in the last week.

Bologna’s main men set for the Premier League

Both Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori are set to sign for two separate Premier League clubs after transfers within Italy seemed likely just last week. Zirkzee was linked with AC Milan, who reportedly were willing to pay his release clause. Then Manchester United came knocking. Fabrizio Romano has now reported that United have fully agreed on contract terms with Zirkzee and are set to pay the release clause.

This move means that United now have two young strikers from Serie A, after Rasmus Højlund completed his move from Atalanta last year. Zirkzee provides a different style of play than Højlund. Zirkzee’s big, stocky build, good feet, and ability to drop deep and run in behind will likely mean he is less isolated than Højlund was last season.

It is clear that Zirkzee influences the game more than Højlund did last season, and his style of play could suit Ten Hag’s tactics better. That being said, the Dutchman is likely to rotate with Højlund in the coming season. United fans should be pleased to snatch up a young striker coming off a good season, especially with clubs all over Europe, including league rivals Tottenham, also being linked

Calafiori looked set on Juventus and previous manager Thiago Motta when the Euros first kicked off, with Juventus willing to match the €25/€30 million price tag that Bologna had set. However, after a standout Euros with a number of impressive performances, such as the last minute driving run vs Croatia, the price tag has been driven up by Bologna. Who will look to maximise transfer funds from Calafiori, as FC Basel will take 50% of the transfer fee. This new valuation of €45/€50 million has meant that Motta and Juventus are out of the race, as they will shift available funds to Khephren Thuram, Teun Koopmeiners, and Jadon Sancho (more below). Calafiori’s strong Euro performance caught the eye of Premier League side Arsenal, and the deal is near completion.

It is likely that Calafiori will be a rotational defender due to his age and Arsenal’s strong backline. Expect him to come in for Gabriel on the left side of center back. If he is part of Arteta’s starting eleven, expect him to be utilized as a left back, a position he played until last season. His ability to push forward, drive, and excel on the ball means that he can get up the left-hand side and support his winger. However, Arteta also likes to invert his left back, as we’ve seen with Zinchenko. Calafiori would suit the inverted role excellently.

While the transfers of both Calafiori and Zirkzee haven’t been officially announced or “here we go’d” by Fabrizio, both deals are clearly close, and we are likely to see two exciting young players join England’s top clubs from Bologna.

Como 1907 and Fabregas look to improve promoted side

Como’s promotion from the Serie B to Serie A under Spain legend Césc Fabregas means they will play first flight Italian football for the first time in 21 years. With such a monumental feat accomplished, Como are now on the brink of completing another monumental move: the transfer of Raphaël Varane.

Now, when it was announced that 31-year-old Raphaël Varane, a four-time Champions League winner, was set to leave Manchester United, anyone’s first bet would be that he would either go to a European side offering continental football or to Saudi Arabia. But no, Fabregas and Como have boldly pursued the Frenchman’s signature—a statement signing, to say the least.

While the defender has had a concerning injury record at United and Madrid, he still has the potential to become one of the best defenders in Serie A if he stays fit. The move is not yet finalised, and while Varane has traveled to Como to initiate talks, the transfer is complicated, with Saudi sides also showing interest. But as a football fan, this potential transfer would be incredible in every way. Besides, who wouldn’t want to live on Lake Como?