Bologna are intensifying its search for a central defender to replace Riccardo Calafiori, who was recently sold to Arsenal. The club’s sporting director, Giovanni Sartori, has turned his attention to France’s Ligue 1 for potential candidates.
Calciomercato report how after failing to secure Mats Hummels, Bologna initially targeted Logan Costa from Toulouse. However, with Newcastle United also interested and Toulouse demanding €20 million, the deal seems unlikely. The club has now shifted focus to two alternative options: Alexsandro from Lille and Niakaté from Braga.
The pursuit of these players is complicated by their clubs’ involvement in European competitions. Lille’s progress in the Champions League qualifiers makes Alexsandro’s transfer unlikely before August 28. Similarly, Niakaté’s move depends on Braga’s Europa League preliminary round against Servette.
In the meantime, Bologna will start the Serie A season with the center-back pairing of Beukema and Erlic. The latter, recently signed for €8 million, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Bologna and the prospect of playing in the Champions League. Erlic, who previously worked with coach Vincenzo Italiano at Spezia, acknowledged the differences between Italiano’s and Thiago Motta’s playing styles, emphasizing the need to adapt and give his best.
