Milan castaway Alexis Saelemaekers has reportedly emerged as a concrete transfer target for Europa League winners Atalanta. According to MilanNews, the Belgian forward has leapfrogged Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo on Gian Piero Gasperini’s shopping list.
Atalanta have genuinely explored the possibility of bringing the ex-Roma ace back to Serie A despite his underwhelming loan stint at Aston Villa last season. However, the track has gone cold as Zaniolo has suitors around Europe who could pay a premium price to lure him away from Istanbul.
Strapped for options, Atalanta have turned to the Milan bust. Saelemaekers performed reasonably well for Bologna in the 2023/24 season, netting four goals and delivering three assists in 30 league appearances. But despite helping the club secure Champions League promotion against the odds, he couldn’t land a permanent contract.
His versatility could throw him a lifeline in Serie A. Atalanta boss Gasperini is a known fan of a 3-4-3 formation, and having a player of Saelemaekers’ flexibility would be a tremendous asset. Milan would unlikely stand in La Dea’s way, considering they’re desperate to shift the Anderlecht academy graduate off their books in the coming months.
At 24, Saelemaekers has yet to reach his prime years. Working with Gasperini at Atalanta could help him fulfill his potential. That’s why he’d probably embrace the move with arms wide open. The only uncertainty remains the formula of the deal.
Atalanta would probably go for a loan, while Milan prefer an outright sale. The parties could meet at the halfway line. It would probably see Saelemaekers head to Bergamo on loan with an option to buy.
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