Atalanta are closing in on a deal to sign highly-rated right-back Wesley Franco from Brazilian giants Flamengo in a big-money operation. According to Fabrizio Romano, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will splash out €16 million upfront, plus €4m in add-ons, to bring the 20-year-old defender to the Gewiss Stadium.
Wesley wasn’t La Dea’s first option in their quest to find a younger alternative to veteran ace Davide Zappacosta. Instead, Atalanta seemed one step away from landing the 2024 Olympic Games gold medalists with Spain, Marc Pubill, from Almeria.
Everything seemed set for the 21-year-old’s switch, but the deal collapsed at the 11th hour. Atalanta then tried to lure Neco Williams to Serie A. However, Nottingham Forest turned down the Italian club’s lucrative €20m bid for the Welshman.
After two heartbreaking pieces of business, the third time was the charm for Atalanta. They’re on the cusp of announcing Wesley as their sixth summer signing, only a few days after losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final in Warsaw.
Wesley will not be the first defensive acquisition this summer. The 26-year-old Ben Godfrey has joined Atalanta from Everton in a deal worth circa €15m. Both players can operate at right-back, suggesting Gasperini is ready to replace Zappacosta.
The product of Flamengo’s youth academy, Wesley is an attacking-minded right-back with impressive technique and decent pace. He may be a decent signing for Atalanta, though it could take some time for him to adapt to the new environment in Europe.
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