Atalanta intend to add a new defender in January after striking out in the summer. They have earmarked a Serie A trio with different price tags and outlooks. They are keen on Verona’s Isak Hien and Diego Coppola and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumì, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs (via Calciomercato).
They came close to signing the Swede in the past window. The Gialloblù are trying to extend his contract to thwart their new attempt before it could even start. They have been unable to do so at this stage, but they are confident. He recently returned to the pitch after missing a month due to a thigh strain.
Lucumì did the same over the weekend, but Riccardo Calafiori has been outstanding in relief. He’s not a lock to resume being a regular. Bologna don’t want to sell him, but a lot will hinge on the will of the player. Atalanta would have to spend at least €15M to onboard the Felsinei defender.
Coppola is less established than the other two options, but La Dea isn’t averse to rolling the dice with an unproven youngster. It might be easier to convince Verona in this case since he’s not a staple.
Our Take on Atalanta Seeking a Defender
Gian Piero Gasperini doesn’t mind a tight rotation, but, with Giorgio Scalvini, Rafael Toloi, and José Luis Palomino often banged up, another man wouldn’t hurt. They can afford a gamble since they have four uber-reliable pieces already.
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