Bournemouth and Como Eyeing Moves for Italian Defender Diego Coppola
Bournemouth and Como are interested in signing Italy international defender Diego Coppola, according to sources close to Football Insider. The 21-year-old has had an impressive campaign with Hellas Verona, helping the Italian side secure survival in Serie A and earning his first cap for the Azzurri in their recent World Cup qualifier against Norway.
Coppola, who is under contract at Verona until 2027, is valued at around €15m (£12.6m). His performances have attracted the interest of several clubs at home and abroad, with Bournemouth and Como leading the charge. Football Insider understands that the Cherries are looking to bring Coppola to England, with Andoni Iraola’s side in need of defensive reinforcements after Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for £50m.
The Cherries secured their highest-ever Premier League points total of 56 last season, finishing ninth in the top flight. However, they may face a defensive rebuild, with newly crowned Champions League winners PSG interested in Illia Zabarnyi. Coppola’s no-nonsense, defensive style of play makes him more similar to the Ukrainian centre half, rather than Huijsen, who provided more of a ball-playing aspect to the Cherries’ backline last season.
According to Football Insider, Coppola made 34 appearances for Verona last season, starring at centre back as the Italian side finished 14th in Serie A, six points clear of the relegation zone. His stats for the campaign include two goals, zero assists, and 10 yellow cards.
Como, who finished 10th in Serie A under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, are also keen on Coppola. The Spaniard wants to add the defender to his ranks as they look to build on their impressive first season in the top flight.
As reported by Football Insider, Bournemouth may not be the only club interested in Coppola, with Como also eyeing a move for the defender. The Cherries are likely to hold onto manager Andoni Iraola, and additions like Coppola should ensure that they are well clear of any relegation battle next May.
Bournemouth’s defensive squad may undergo further changes, with Milos Kerkez expected to join Liverpool in the coming days, for a fee of around £45m. However, the south coast side are preparing for the future, and Coppola is a top target for Iraola’s side.
As Football Insider previously reported, PSG’s interest in Zabarnyi could be a bitter blow for Iraola, but the Bournemouth recruitment team have rarely made a wrong move over the past couple of years. With Coppola as a potential signing, the Cherries could be set to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.
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